JOHNNY SEXTON has joined Andy Farrell’s Lions’ coaching staff - before taking up a full-time position with Ireland next August. The Ireland legend retired from playing following the 2023 World Cup but dipped his toe in coaching working part-time with the international side this season. But he will now become a full-time coach after agreeing a deal with the IRFU that will see him work with Ireland’s men’s and women’s sides at all levels. Before that, he will join Farrell’s coaching team - that also includes Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, and John Fogarty - on the Lions tour. Sexton said: “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. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have great coaches, who nurtured and developed my skills, and I am keen to share my experiences with the next generation and help them achieve their goals. “The level of investment and focus on the pathways in Ireland is really encouraging and I believe the future is really bright for men’s and women’s rugby in Ireland. “I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British & Irish Lions and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity. “It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that awaits us. “Playing for the Lions was a huge ambition of mine during my playing career and my memories of those Tours to Australia and New Zealand will stay with me forever.” Farrell added: “I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Tour to Australia and the love that he had for The British & Irish Lions was reflected in how he operated on a daily basis. “His influence on that Lions team and that Series win, our only win in the last 24 years, cannot be underestimated. “His fight and his dedication as a player is something that he will bring to this Lions Tour and I know that the players will relish his experience and expertise alongside all of our assistant coaches. “It is a significant coup to appoint someone of Johnny’s standing and experience in the game and I am delighted to continue my long association with him. “It was clear from working together during the recent Autumn Nations Series that he has the talent and skillset to add to our coaching team with Ireland. "And I know how driven he is to add to the Lions, firstly this summer, and then on a full-time basis with Ireland later this year.”