Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has been appointed as one of Andy Farrell's assistant coaches for this summer's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. The six-cap Test Lion will take over the mantle of kicking coach from Wales legend Neil Jenkins, who has been involved as a coach on the last four tours. Sexton has been working part-time with Ireland this season, having retired from playing after their 2023 World Cup quarter-final exit against New Zealand. “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," said Sexton following the announcement. “It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that await 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.” As well as his role with the Lions, Ireland have confirmed that Sexton will take up a full-time coaching job with them from August. Having already worked part-time since last autumn, he will step into an assistant role with the men's national team, while also working with the various men's and women's age-grade sides. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Farrell, who is currently taking a break from his role as Ireland head coach, has already named three of his assistants in his Lions ticket. Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty and Simon Easterby - who has been linked with the Wales job - have all been confirmed, as well as Welshman Aled Walters and Vinny Hammong, Ireland's head of athletic performance and head of analysis. There's no representation from Wales' national team - with Scotland's John Dalziel and England's Richard Wigglesworth the other coaches. Jenkins might have been the last hope of a Welsh coach down under this summer, but Sexton's appointment will deny the former Wales fly-half a fifth tour as a coach. “I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Lions tour to Australia and the love that he had for the British & Irish Lions was reflected in how he operated on a daily basis," said Farrell. “His influence on that Lions team and that Series win, our only win in the last 24 years, should not 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.” Former Wales wing Ieuan Evans, who is the Lions' chair and will also serve as tour manager this summer, said: "We are very excited to welcome Johnny into our coaching team for the tour of Australia this summer. "We know he will bring a huge amount given his experience and we are looking forward to welcoming him.”