Andy Farrell confirms David Nucifora among Lions appointments

David Nucifora has been confirmed as a member of Andy Farrell's backroom team with the British and Irish Lions next summer, while Farrell has also included Aled Walters and Vinnie Hammond from his Irish rugby staff.

Nucifora, who spent 10 years as IRFU performance director between 2014 and 2024, is currently working in a similar, part-time, role for Scottish rugby, and will work with the Lions under the title of 'General Manager, Performance’.

The Australian also spent a short period working as a consultant for Rugby Australia after his departure from the IRFU.

Welshman Walters joins the Lions coaching group as head of athletic performance. The former Munster strength and conditioning coach recently returned to Ireland with the IRFU after a spell with England, while he also worked with the World Cup-winning Springboks in 2019.

Performance Staff Appointed ✍️

Head Coach Andy Farrell has appointed three key members of his backroom staff for the #Lions2025 Tour