The British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell is set to confirm his core coaching team this Wednesday, with Richard Wigglesworth expected to feature prominently among the appointments.
Wigglesworth, a former England scrum-half, is tipped to be joined by Simon Easterby—who stepped in to lead Ireland during the Six Nations as Farrell focused on preparations for the Lions’ upcoming tour.
Confirmed Backroom Roles
While the full coaching line-up will be revealed on Wednesday, a few key names have already been locked in, bringing depth and familiarity to Andy Farrell’s backroom team.
Aled Walters, widely credited for his impact on Ireland’s physical preparation during their recent campaigns, has been confirmed as the Lions’ strength and conditioning coach. Walters played a vital role in Ireland’s fitness during their Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign in 2023 and is known for his modern, data-driven approach to athletic performance.
Joining him is David Nucifora, who served as performance director for the IRFU for nearly a decade. Nucifora’s strategic oversight was pivotal in Ireland’s rise to world number one in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His expertise in player development, talent pathways and long-term planning is expected to be invaluable for the Lions setup.
These two appointments suggest that Farrell is building a team that prioritises both elite physical conditioning and high-level performance structures—essential pillars for any successful Lions tour.
Richard Wigglesworth’s Rise in Coaching Ranks
Richard Wigglesworth’s coaching journey has been as dynamic and swift as his playing career. Known for his tactical intelligence and leadership on the field, Wigglesworth transitioned into coaching seamlessly after retiring as a player in 2022.
He took over as interim head coach of Leicester Tigers following Steve Borthwick’s departure to lead England. Despite stepping in mid-season, Wigglesworth steadied the ship at Welford Road and quickly earned respect for his composed approach and sharp rugby acumen.
In the summer of 2023, he joined Borthwick’s national coaching staff, contributing to England’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup. His progression continued rapidly, and by October 2024, he was appointed senior assistant coach for England—a role that placed him at the heart of tactical planning and matchday strategy.
Wigglesworth’s deep understanding of the modern game, especially in areas like game management and kicking strategy, has made him a valuable asset. His recent experience at the international level, combined with his proven ability to connect with players and implement high-level plans under pressure, makes him a natural fit for Andy Farrell’s Lions coaching team.
His inclusion is also a testament to the growing trend of younger, recently retired players bringing fresh perspectives into top-tier coaching roles—bridging the gap between modern playing styles and forward-thinking coaching methodologies.
Road to Australia: Key Dates
The Lions’ journey will begin with a squad announcement on 8 May at London’s O2 Arena, where more than 2,000 fans are expected to attend.
Before the three-Test series against Australia, the Lions will take on Argentina in Dublin on 20 June in a warm-up match.
Test Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: Brisbane – 19 July
- 2nd Test: Melbourne – 26 July
- 3rd Test: Sydney – 2 August
The tour will also feature five warm-up matches before the opening Test, as well as a midweek game ahead of the second Test.
With excitement building, Wednesday’s coaching announcement is set to provide further insight into how Farrell plans to take on the Wallabies in one of rugby’s most iconic international series.
