Easterby, Wigglesworth, Dalziel join Farrell's Lions coaching team

LONDON :British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has leaned on his Ireland connections by appointing Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty, along with Richard Wigglesworth and John Dalziel, as his assistants for this year's Australia tour.

Some of the appointments had been leaked to the media earlier in the week but Farrell, in charge of the Lions on a sabbatical from his Ireland head coach role, confirmed the full lineup in London on Wednesday.

Easterby filled in for Farrell as interim Ireland coach during the Six Nations Championship and had been expected to stay in charge for the summer tests against Georgia and Portugal, but instead joins the Lions as defence coach.

Ireland backs coach Goodman will look after the Lions' attack, with Fogarty in charge of scrums.

Former England scrumhalf Wigglesworth, number two to England head coach Steve Borthwick after following him to Twickenham from Leicester, and Scotland forwards coach Dalziel complete the lineup.

After their back to back Six Nations wooden spoons, there will be no Wales coaches involved for the first time since 2001.

Farrell had already announced the appointment of David Nucifora (General Manager, Performance), Aled Walters (Head of Athletic Performance and Vinny Hammond (Head of Analysis).

"This coaching group has versatility and are interchangeable in their skillset, which is a vital asset to have on a Lions Tour," said Farrell, who will name his playing squad on May 8 in an event at London's 02 attended by thousands of fans for the first time.

"I think we have a fantastic mix and every one of these guys will bring their own character and personality to the team."

IDEAL FIT

Easterby, brought up in England but who played club rugby in Wales and