Portugal Colonial - Easterby and Wigglesworth join Lions coaching staff for Australia tour

Easterby, 49, was Ireland's interim head coach during the recent Six Nations while Farrell was seconded to Lions duty and presided over a run of four wins and one defeat as the champions for the previous two seasons finished in third place.

Former England scrum-half Wigglesworth, 41, succeeded current England head coach Steve Borthwick as Leicester boss in 2022 on a temporary basis.

He joined Borthwick's England staff the following year and became senior assistant coach in October 2024.

Under Wigglesworth's guidance, England scored 25 tries in this season's Six Nations as they finished runners-up to France.

Farrell has recruited five assistant coaches, including scrum coach John Fogarty and backs coach Andrew Goodman from the Ireland set-up, and Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel.

Wednesday's appointments follow previously announced Lions roles for other coaching positions including former Ireland performance director David Nucifora, who now holds a similar role with Scotland.

"This is a special day for The British and Irish Lions and our five new assistant coaches who came together yesterday for the very first time," said Farrell.

"This coaching group has versatility and are interchangeable in their skill-set, which is a vital asset to have on a Lions tour. I think we have a fantastic mix and every one of these guys will bring their own character and personality to the team."

Easterby, a former Ireland back-row forward said: "It doesn't get any better than a Lions tour. I was lucky enough to tour with the Lions 20 years ago.

"It's been a long time between gigs, but it is an exciting time and I am looking forward to getting stuck in."

Wigglesworth said: "I never got to play with Andy, but he was my coach at Saracens and England so I know his calibre and I am thoroughly looking forward to working with him."

Farrell, a former England international, will announce the playing squad for Australia on May 8, with the Lions facing Argentina in Dublin on June 20.

The combined side, made up of players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, then fly to Perth ahead of a June 28 clash against Western Force.

A three-match series against Australia, coached by Farrell's former boss and predecessor as Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, begins in Brisbane on July 19, followed by further Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

The Lions traditionally tour one of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa every four years.

They have not won a Test series since a 2013 tour of Australia.

V.Dantas--PC