Johnny Sexton breaks silence on role after Finn Russell selected for Lions over Owen Farrell
Rugby NewsThursday, 08 May 2025 at 21:12
Ireland legend Johnny Sexton made his first appearance in the coaching hot seat on Thursday as he faced the media following a surprise cameo at the British & Irish Lions squad announcement in London.
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The former fly-half, who lit up tours in 2013 and 2017, is now officially part of the setup for the 2025 trip to Australia – and he’s got one very specific job.
Kicking King takes the reins
When asked about his role, Sexton kept it straight:
"Looking after the kicking side of the game."
"Looking after the kicking side of the game."
He elaborated further:
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing."
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing."
"I've experienced a lot as a kicker, I've experienced a lot as a player. Being able to pass on my experience to these players is something I'm really passionate about."
No playing regrets?
Sexton was controversially snubbed from the 2021 Lions squad by then-boss Warren Gatland, a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows across Ireland. But he remains a two-tour veteran and now brings that wealth of knowledge into the coaches’ box.
Russell over Farrell? Really, Johnny?
The squad announcement also confirmed that Finn Russell is heading Down Under – despite Sexton previously stating he’d pick Owen Farrell over the maverick Scot.
Safe to say, eyebrows were raised.
Safe to say, eyebrows were raised.
The former fly-half, who lit up tours in 2013 and 2017, is now officially part of the setup for the 2025 trip to Australia – and he’s got one very specific job.
Kicking King takes the reins
When asked about his role, Sexton kept it straight:
"Looking after the kicking side of the game."
"Looking after the kicking side of the game."
He elaborated further:
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing."
"Obviously, there's amazing talent picked there from that point of view. I'll be there to help them out wherever I can. It's a short tour, so being able to change too much won't be a thing."
"I've experienced a lot as a kicker, I've experienced a lot as a player. Being able to pass on my experience to these players is something I'm really passionate about."
No playing regrets?
Sexton was controversially snubbed from the 2021 Lions squad by then-boss Warren Gatland, a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows across Ireland. But he remains a two-tour veteran and now brings that wealth of knowledge into the coaches’ box.
Russell over Farrell? Really, Johnny?
The squad announcement also confirmed that Finn Russell is heading Down Under – despite Sexton previously stating he’d pick Owen Farrell over the maverick Scot.
Safe to say, eyebrows were raised.
Safe to say, eyebrows were raised.
“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” Sexton said.
“Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy…”
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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