The British & Irish Lions have unveiled their assistant coaching lineup for this summer’s highly anticipated tour of Australia, and Scottish rugby fans have reason to cheer. Scotland’s own John Dalziel, the highly regarded forwards coach of the national team, has been named among the five assistant coaches supporting head coach Andy Farrell for the 2025 campaign.
Dalziel, a familiar face in the Scottish rugby setup, joins a talented coaching group that blends experience from across the four home nations. He’ll be working alongside Ireland’s Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, and Andrew Goodman, as well as England’s Richard Wigglesworth. For Scotland supporters, Dalziel’s inclusion is a testament to the influence of Scottish talent on the international stage.
Currently the forwards coach for Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad, Dalziel has earned widespread praise for his work in sharpening the team’s set-piece and breakdown play. Dalziel carved out a coaching career with Melrose RFC before moving into Roles at Glasgow Warriors and the national setup. Since joining the Scotland setup, he’s been instrumental in developing a robust forward pack, helping the team compete against the world’s best.
Speaking about his appointment, Dalziel couldn’t hide his pride: “It’s a huge honour and I am massively thankful for the opportunity. It’s a real pinch yourself moment.”
Similar excitement was shown from the other assistant coaches too, showing a tremendous positivity amongst the new coaching team.
Head coach Andy Farrell, who has taken a sabbatical from his role with Ireland to lead the Lions, was enthused to select his assistants, saying “Putting together a Lions coaching team is an honour and a privilege – and the five phone calls made to this group of coaches reminds you just how special and unique it is.”
The Lions’ coaching ticket reflects a balance of expertise, with Dalziel’s forward-focused approach complementing the skills of his colleagues. Easterby, Ireland’s interim head coach during the recent Six Nations, brings defensive nous and Lions tour experience from his playing days in 2005. Fogarty, Ireland’s scrum coach, and Goodman, their backs coach, add technical precision, while Wigglesworth, England’s senior assistant, offers attacking flair honed during his time with Steve Borthwick’s side.
For Scottish fans, Dalziel’s selection is a rare and welcome highlight in Lions history. It’s the first time since 2001—when Graham Henry led the tour to Australia—that a coach from Scotland has featured in the Lions setup. Notably absent this time is any Welsh representation, a departure from recent tours where the likes of Neil Jenkins have been mainstays.
The 2025 tour kicks off with a clash against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, before the Lions head Down Under for a nine-game schedule, including three Test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Farrell will name his playing squad on May 8 at a live event at London’s O2 Arena, and Scottish players will be hoping to catch the eye of both their national forwards coach and the Lions boss.
