
Rugby
Share
Published 17:26 8 May 2025 BST
Updated 17:26 8 May 2025 BST

When Johnny Sexton was added as a coach to Andy Farrell's Lions backroom team, there were eyebrows raised by some over the influence he might have over players.
The Ireland icon has only been coaching since helping out with the Irish team during November, and he has also had numerous, unfavourable comments about Lions out-half Finn Russell.
Speaking at the the live squad announcement, the legendary No 10 made it clear what his role will be, explaining that he won't have too much influence.
He said: "Looking after the kicking side of the game.
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing.
"I'll be there. I've experienced a lot as a kicker, I've experienced a lot as a player. Being able to pass on my experience to these players is something I'm really passionate about.
"It's a huge day for all the players and their families, that has to be noted. I've been on both sides of it - it's one of the best days of your career and I've been in the place where it's one of the worst days of your career.
"It's a very special day that you'll remember forever. The one thing I'd say is if you weren't picked today there's still plenty of rugby to be played. Like Faz [Andy Farrell] alluded to, [Alex] Corbisiero came out to Australia and won us the series and wasn't in the intial squad.
"I'm sure everyone will be trying to prove their point over the next few weeks...it's a very exciting squad."
Explore more on these topics:
Leinster legend storms out of presser over ‘disrespectful’ England antics
They got under his skin. England got some ounce of revenge for their football World Cup semi-final defeat, taking down Argentina in the rugby, 24-31. Los Pumas set the tone for a feisty game, by wearing a jersey styled on the 1986 FIFA World Cup shirt, when they famously beat England in the ‘Hand of […]
Rugby
2 days ago
New Zealand media paints sorry picture for Ireland after heavy loss
They were not particularly impressed…. The main takeaway from the Irish media – other than some questionable refereeing decisions – was that there is now a clear gap between South Africa/New Zealand/France and Ireland. The All Blacks were lethal at times today, working their way up the pitch in minimal phases with their pace and […]
Rugby
3 days ago
Rugby
The five players with most to gain from Ireland’s summer tour
Rugby