The IRFU has announced that Jonathan Sexton will take up a full-time coaching position with the Union from Friday, August 1, marking a major step in his post-playing career.

In a move that underscores his swiftly rising coaching profile, it has also been confirmed that Sexton will join Andy Farrell’s coaching staff for the British & Irish Lions’ tour to Australia this summer.

Since his retirement at the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he has been working as Chief of Staff with Paul Coulson’s Ardagh Holdings, but that is now clearly on the back burner.

As part of his new IRFU role, Sexton will work across the Men’s and Women’s national age-grade teams, right up to senior level, and will step into an assistant coach position with the Ireland Men’s squad, having already contributed on a part-time basis since the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

“I am excited to join the IRFU on a full-time basis and am extremely passionate about the opportunity to work with current and future players,” said Sexton.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from great coaches throughout my career, and I’m keen to share my experiences and help the next generation achieve their goals. The level of investment and focus on the pathways in Ireland is encouraging, and I believe the future is bright for Men’s and Women’s rugby in Ireland.”

“Johnny is one of the most iconic figures in Irish Rugby, and I’m delighted that he sees his long-term future in coaching here,” added IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys.

“His involvement with the Lions will be an excellent opportunity for his development and will only strengthen his impact when he returns to the Ireland setup full-time later this year.”

In tandem with his IRFU appointment, Sexton will link up once again with Andy Farrell for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, this time as a member of the coaching team.

Having starred as a player on previous Lions tours to Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017), he now brings that pedigree to the coaching ranks.

“I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British & Irish Lions,” Sexton said.

“It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that await us. Playing for the Lions was a huge ambition of mine, and the memories from those tours will stay with me forever. I’d like to thank the IRFU and David (Humphreys) for supporting me with this opportunity.”

Lions head coach Andy Farrell welcomed the appointment.

“His influence on the 2013 series win in Australia cannot be underestimated. The fight and dedication he showed as a player is something I know he’ll bring to this tour as a coach. It’s a significant coup to bring someone of Johnny’s experience and stature into our environment.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added:

“Johnny is one of the most iconic figures in Irish Rugby, and I’m delighted that he sees his long-term future in coaching here. His involvement with the Lions will be an excellent opportunity for his development and will only strengthen his impact when he returns to the Ireland setup full-time later this year.”

The former St. Mary’s College, Leinster, and Ireland fly-half continues to build a coaching career that, like his playing days, promises to be defined by leadership, vision, and excellence.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

IRFU Announce Organisational Efficiency Review

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The former St. Mary’s College, Leinster, and Ireland fly-half has surprised many by the ascent of his coaching induction.  It has probably caused eyebrows to be raised in La Rochelle as well.  Is it possible to imagine a future Ireland coaching line up of O’Connell, Sexton and O’Gara, only one of whom has been a Head Coach but he is also the only one not involved in the Irish set up.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

It will be interesting to see the role he plays as part of the Lions Tour which will be first up.

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