Irish-Led Lions Backroom Staff Brings Familiar Faces
From an Irish viewpoint, Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions coaching setup is filled with familiar faces. Names like Andrew Goodman, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, and Johnny Sexton are already well-known to Irish rugby fans, not to mention support staff such as David Nucifora, Aled Walters, Vinny Hammond, and Gary Keegan. The Lions leadership group is heavily influenced by individuals who are either currently part of the IRFU or have recently worked within it.
ICYMI: Paul Geaney expresses concern about coach’s impact on team’s success
An Outsider With a Key Role
However, one of the most vital coaching roles this summer is being handled by someone less familiar to Irish audiences. Pumas match a chance to stake Test claim. Alongside England’s Richard Wigglesworth, Scotland’s John Dalziel stands out as one of only two coaches in Farrell’s primary Lions team who isn’t from the Irish setup. Dalziel, a former flanker for London Scottish and Borders, has served as the forwards coach under Gregor Townsend for Scotland since 2020. His journey through Scottish Rugby included stints with their Under-20s and Sevens before joining the senior coaching ranks.
Scottish Players Endorse Dalziel’s Approach
Scott Cummings, one of seven Scottish players in the squad, has worked with Dalziel at multiple levels. He describes him as highly detailed and someone who values player input. “He’s not rigid,” Cummings says. “If someone like Maro has a suggestion, JD is open to adapting. That’s helped get everyone fully engaged.” Dalziel’s main influence, Cummings notes, has been on improving their set-piece standards.
Training in Portugal and Blending Cultures
Last week, a training camp in Portugal hosted a group of 24 players, excluding some still committed to club duties. Cummings notes that the Irish contingent helped bridge the understanding of Farrell’s style, although the game plan is a mix of systems from all contributing nations. The goal is to merge these ideas into a single effective approach.
Test Selection Pressure Builds
Cummings is among the locks aiming to break into the Test squad alongside the likes of Itoje, Beirne, McCarthy, Chessum, and Ryan. Farrell will announce his lineup soon for Friday’s fixture against Argentina, and Cummings, Itoje, and Beirne are strong candidates to play, especially with others only recently joining camp. With limited time to gel, players must take ownership. Cummings admits the team is still learning, but sees Friday as a huge opportunity to demonstrate their progress. “It’s about making confident rugby decisions. Don’t sit back—go get them. If I’m selected, it’ll be a special moment.”
