Andy Farrell has surprise inclusion as Ireland-heavy Lions coaching staff confirmed

Lots of Ireland involvement

Andy Farrell has finalised his coaching ticket for the Lions Tour to Australia this summer.

Ireland's head coach had already announced three appointments back in January, with David Nucifora, Aled Walters, and Vinnie Hammond all coming on board.

Nucifora, the former High Performance director with the IRFU, and now in a similar role with Scotland, will be General Manager of the tour.

Aled Walters, who is currently with Ireland, will be Head of Athletic Performance, and the IRFU's Vinnie Hammond and two-time Lions analyst, takes on the role of Head of Analysis.

This morning, Farrell added Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel, Ireland defence coach and interim head coach Simon Easterby, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty, Ireland attack coach John Goodman, and England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth.

The latter four were expected, but Scotland's Dalziel was a late surprise to the line up.

Here is what the coaches had to say:

Farrell: “This is a special day for The British & Irish Lions and our five new Assistant Coaches who came together yesterday for the very first time.

“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.

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

Dalziel: “It’s a huge honour and I am massively thankful for the opportunity. It’s a real pinch yourself moment. Even from our first meeting as coaches you could feel the energy in the room and it is hugely exciting to work with these guys."

Easterby: “It’s incredible to be part of the Lions coaching team and this is a very proud day for me and my family.

“It doesn’t get any better than a Lions Tour. I was lucky enough to Tour with the Lions 20 years ago. It’s been a long time between gigs, but it is an exciting time and I am looking forward to getting stuck in. “To Tour as a player and now as a coach, knowing the group of players that we have the potential of working with, is something that I can’t wait to get stuck into.

“A Lions Tour also gives you the opportunity to work with people you haven’t before.”

Fogarty: “I didn’t believe Andy when he called me. This is a dream come true and I am so proud and thankful to Andy and everyone at the Lions.

“I have had some brilliant days with Leinster and Ireland, but there is something so special about bringing the home nations and all their supporters together."

Goodman: “When Andy phoned up, I was silent for about 30 seconds and he even asked if I was still there.

“I was shocked. . .excited - all the emotions. It was pretty special calling my family back home in New Zealand."

Wigglesworth: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Lions. Proud is probably an understatement to how I am feeling right now.

“I never got to play with Andy, but he was my coach at Saracens and England so I know his calibre and I am thoroughly looking forward to working with him.

“When I got the call I was in the back garden with my five-year-old daughter on dad duties and I had to quieten her down whilst I took it.”