'Johnny is very different than what he was on the field'
JOHNNY SEXTON AND Richard Wigglesworth had a few run-ins on the pitch over the years, but now they're fighting for the same cause.
The former Ireland out-half and ex-England scrum-half are both part of Andy Farrell's coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Renowned as intelligent operators during their playing days, Sexton and Wigglesworth were on opposing coaching teams earlier this year when Ireland beat England in the Six Nations.
Given the history, they're enjoying being on the same side now.
'It's a bit different,' said Wigglesworth after the Lions' captain's run in Dublin this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's sold-out clash with Argentina.
'I've really enjoyed him, so very different than what he was on the field. I'm maybe similar, but without the extreme that Johnny was on the field and off it.
'We've had a good few debates about some match-ups we had. So no, we've had some good fun talking about it. Really enjoying working with him. Obviously, great knowledge, a good eye for what's going on, and just wants to help, like we all do.'
Advertisement
Farrell has six assistant coaches in total, the most since Clive Woodward's bloated 2005 tour.
Ireland's Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman, and Sexton have joined Farrell, along with Scotland's John Dalziel and England's Richard Wigglesworth.
The Lions didn't publicly announce what each of Farrell's assistants will focus on but most of it is clear. Easterby will be in charge of defence, Fogarty is the scrum coach, and Dalziel will lead the rest of the forward play.
Wigglesworth at the Aviva Stadium today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo
Farrell has been in charge of Ireland's phase-play attack in recent years, with backs coach Goodman focusing heavily on the set-piece strike plays.
Sexton works on Ireland's kicking game but also has input on the Irish attack, although he said this week that his Lions role revolves specifically around kicking.
Wigglesworth is a senior assistant coach with England and guides their attack, while also being renowned as a kick strategy expert.
So there appears to be an overlap of coaching specialities in attack and kicking.
Wigglesworth wasn't willing to clarify exactly how the various responsibilities have been divided out, but said Farrell wants a collaborative approach.
'I wouldn't like to elaborate on it too much because I think it's Andy's to do when he gives it out,' said Wigglesworth.
'So, he wants us all to work together. We've got our little roles, but if Andy wants to expand on it more, then I'll let him do that.'
He did say that Farrell wants a collaborative approach.
'Faz has said straight away that he wanted it to be as connected and cohesive as possible. So, everything's put on the table, really discussed and then try and come up with the best solution and the best help for the lads.
'Obviously, we've got our little individual responsibilities that you'll come up with and check in with each other, but I'm enjoying it immensely, how connected it is and how much we're trying to help each other and learn. So, it's definitely been a fun part so far.'
Lions out-half Finn Russell with Wigglesworth. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo
Whatever the job roles, there is plenty of coaching acumen in this Lions staff. This is Farrell's third tour and he has massive experience from his time as an England assistant coach, Ireland assistant, and as a Grand Slam-winning Irish boss.
Easterby has been Ireland forwards and defence coach at different stages over the past decade or so and is just coming off a season as the national team's head coach.
Fogarty has been with Ireland for some major successes since joining in 2020, having worked with Leinster before that. Goodman also worked with the eastern province before joining Ireland last year, having come through the New Zealand coaching ranks.
Related Reads
Three Irish players start for Lions as Furlong returns on bench
Argentina name team for Dublin meeting with Lions
Dalziel is a former Scotland U20s and Scotland 7s boss who has been Gregor Townsend's forwards coach with the senior Scotland team since 2020. And Wigglesworth helped Leicester to a Premiership title alongside Steve Borthwick before joining him in the England set-up in 2023.
All of those backgrounds and experiences are leading to some fascinating coaching chats.
'Definitely, from our perspective of learning from all the different coaches and the little things that you see differently, all incredibly interesting on the back of it,' said Wigglesworth. 'So I've been absolutely loving that part of it.'
There's no doubt Wigglesworth and Dalziel will go back to England and Scotland camps after this tour with a much deeper knowledge of how Farrell and co. like to do things with Ireland.
But Wigglesworth said he hasn't been looking for any trade secrets.
'They've been pretty successful, haven't they? So I've not been drilling them too much on what they do or don't do.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Andy Carroll leaves Bordeaux to be closer to his kids as club hail ‘exceptional and generous' former England star
FORMER England striker Andy Carroll has left French side Bordeaux after one season. The ex- Advertisement 2 Andy Carroll is leaving French side Bordeaux after one season Credit: AFP 2 The ex-England striker netted 11 goals in 21 games last season Credit: Getty Carroll raised eyebrows when he opted to drop down the leagues and He scored 11 goals in 21 games last season, as Bordeaux finished 11 points behind promotion winners Stade Briochin in Group B. A club statement read: "Having arrived last summer with a desire to take on a new challenge, Andy has shown total commitment from his first days with Bordeaux. "On the pitch, the English striker scored 11 goals in 21 league matches. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL "But beyond the statistics, Andy brought his experience, physical impact, and professionalism to his role on a daily basis, both in the locker room and during important matches. "Off the pitch, he is an exceptional and generous personality that the Club's fans and employees have enjoyed working alongside. "Today, to be closer to his children, Andy has chosen to return home. "We fully understand and respect this personal decision. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "Thanks for everything, Andy. You'll always be home here. Safe travels and see you soon!" Carroll posted a simple response to the club's official X account. Watch Andy Carroll score twice in a 'PARK' and celebrate wildly as he tears up fourth tier of French football He wrote: "Je t'aime [I love you]." Advertisement Carroll signed his first professional contract with He went on to make 134 first-team appearances for Toon before joining The forward has earned 9 England caps, scoring twice. Bordeaux, six-time Ligue 1 winners, were demoted to the fourth division after going into administration last year. Advertisement Carroll earned just £750-a-week at the fallen giants, The striker has three kids with ex Billi Mucklow, a former star on TOWIE. He also has two children from a previous relationship.
The Irish Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Who is Lions' captain Maro Itoje's wife Mimi?
THE British and Irish Lions embark on a world tour every four years, which kicks off against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025. Here we get to know captain 3 Maro Itoje is married to Mimi Itoje (née Fall) Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje 3 Like her husband, Mimi works as a model Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Who is Maro Itoje's wife Mimi? Mimi Itoje is a model and artist who is married to England rugby captain Maro Itoje. In addition to rugby, Maro sometimes also works as a model. He's appeared on the cover of Tatler alongside It's understood the couple met during a shoot. read more on maro itoje She has been represented by London-based agencies including W Management. On top of her modelling career, Mimi is an artist — she creates acrylic on canvas paintings incorporating cultural themes. Mimi shared the happy news on Instagram alongside snaps of her dazzling ring, which she captioned and the caption: "Mrs I to be." Most read in Rugby Union Maro subsequently described the moment to the Daily Mail, saying: "We went to this beautiful aqua-safari in Ada, which is on the coast, about two hours from Accra. "It was a beautiful resort, and I popped the question there." England captain Maro Itoje hopeful for 'classy operator' Fin Smith starting against France in the Six Nations The couple married less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off on May 25, 2025. Maro celebrated the occasion by writing on social media : "Scripture says It is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. "I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!" Talented rugby family Talent runs in Maro's family — his cousin The cousins often show public support for each other, with Beno appearing on Maro's podcast titled Pearl Conversations. On the show, Maro interviews leaders and groundbreakers from various fields including music, sports, politics and art. 3 The couple tied the knot less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Maro reflected on their upbringing on Pearl Conversations, saying: "For you and I, rugby has never really been [there] when we were growing up — as you said, from when we were born to when we went to secondary school. "Before then, rugby was never really a thing for us. Coming from a Nigerian household where, if it's any sport at all, it's football. If it's not football, then it's books.""If it's not football, then it's books." Maro's Rugby career Born in Camden, London, Maro didn't pick up rugby until he was 11, discovering the sport at secondary school. Before committing to rugby, he also competed at shot put and basketball. He joined Saracens at the tender age of 17 in 2012. In 2016, Maro went on to earn his first senior Maro had already been part of a Lions tour, being the youngest member of the 2017 New Zealand squad at just 22. The Saracens lock was
Irish Independent
29 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Liverpool agree £40m fee for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez
The move has been touted for some time, with the Cherries holding out for £45m, but the PA news agency understands a compromise has been reached which will see the defender make the move to Anfield. Kerkez, 21, is viewed as the long-term successor to Andy Robertson. The Scotland international, who is in the final year of his contract, is a target for Atletico Madrid but Liverpool will not force him out the door. . Hungary international Kerkez will be the third signing of the close season, with Jeremie Frimpong already on board and his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz finalising the details of a potential British record £116m deal after flying into Merseyside for a medical on Thursday. With Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Marmadasvili set to join the squad when they reconvene next month, with a deal having been done with Valencia 12 months ago, head coach Arne Slot will have £215m of new talent available for the defence of their Premier League title. And the incomings may not be finished there as, with Leverkusen interested in 22-year-old fourth-choice centre-back Jarell Quansah in a £34m deal entirely separate to the one sending Wirtz in the opposite direction, Liverpool will be on the look-out for another central defender. Crystal Palace's England international Marc Guehi, who has a year left on his contract, is a player the club have been interested in but there will be other contenders for his signature.
