The Lions coach hits back at critics of Ireland’s 15-strong selection, saying form, not bias, drove choices
Johnny Sexton has brushed off controversy surrounding the heavy Irish presence in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad, saying performance and familiarity with systems—not favouritism—drove the coach’s selections.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s send-off fixture against Argentina in Dublin, Sexton, now a kicking coach in Farrell’s Lions staff, was asked about the record 15 Irish players named in the 38-man squad, a tally that increased to 16 after Connacht’s Finlay Bealham was called up due to injury.
“It didn’t surprise me,” said the former Ireland captain. “Ireland have done pretty well over the last few years — a Grand Slam, a Six Nations title, consistent performances. The guys who got picked earned it.”
Sexton, who toured twice with the Lions as a player, acknowledged the scrutiny over national balance but insisted it’s part of the game.
“Everyone has their opinion. That’s the beauty of sport,” he said. “But if you really look at it — who would you leave out? These lads have delivered over the past three or four years.”
Twelve of the Irish contingent come from Leinster, with Connacht and Munster supplying the rest. The selection has reignited long-standing debates over perceived national biases in Lions squads — particularly when the head coach holds a dual role, as Farrell does with Ireland.
But Sexton insisted the process was rigorous.
Embed from Getty Images“Andy did his homework. He spoke to people, he looked at combinations, he watched form over years, not just a single tournament. I’ve never seen such a thorough selection process,” he said.
The Lions will face the Pumas at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday night (20:00 BST) before heading to Australia for the main tour. The squad was bolstered this week as players from Leinster, Bath and Leicester joined after domestic finals, with only Toulouse full-back Blair Kinghorn yet to arrive due to Top 14 duties.
Sexton will work closely with fly-halves Marcus Smith, Finn Russell and Fin Smith — a trio brimming with talent and variety. It’s a role he relishes after retiring post-2023 World Cup and briefly working outside rugby.
“I always had it in the back of my mind to coach. I tried the commercial world, and it was good, but it wasn’t me,” said Sexton. “Now I’m where I should be. This Lions role has given me the bug again.”
He’ll join the IRFU in a full-time coaching role after the tour — a decision made more for present joy than long-term planning.
“I want to be in Ireland, not abroad. If the IRFU role lasts two years, it lasts two years. I’ve stopped worrying about the future. I’m focused on making the most of now.”
Reflecting on his first week back among elite players, Sexton said he’s enjoyed learning the personalities of those under his wing.
“Marcus and Fin are top-class, great characters,” he said. “Some need help, some don’t — you adjust depending on what they need.”
The Dublin crowd will see the Lions in action this week before they embark on the journey to Australia — a country where Sexton helped deliver a series win in 2013.
This time, though, he’s in a different role. A mentor, a strategist, and perhaps most importantly — a defender of his national team’s credentials.
