Andy Farrell names Lions backroom team for Australia tour
Andy Farrell has confirmed the coaching staff for the upcoming Lions tour
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The British and Irish Lions have announced the first members of head coach Andy Farrell’s backroom staff for the upcoming tour to Australia.
David Nucifora, Aled Walters, and Vinny Hammond have been named as key personnel for the 10-fixture tour, which will include the much-anticipated Test series against the Wallabies.
Nucifora will take on the role of general manager of performance, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from his time at Scottish Rugby.
The former Australian international, who earned two caps in the early 1990s, has extensive experience working with high-level rugby programs, including a successful partnership with Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt during their time with the IRFU.
Aled Walters, currently head of athletic performance for the Irish Rugby Football Union, will oversee player conditioning and athletic preparation.
Walters has a distinguished résumé, highlighted by his role in South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup victory, and has previously worked with English and Irish players, as well as coaching stints in Australia’s Super Rugby with the Brumbies.
Completing the initial appointments is Vinny Hammond, who will serve as the Lions’ head of analysis. Hammond’s experience with the Lions includes previous tours to New Zealand and South Africa, providing critical continuity and expertise for the upcoming series.
Farrell expressed his confidence in the trio, emphasizing their importance in preparing the Lions for the challenges ahead.
"In David, Aled, and Vinny, we have three of the absolute best joining us for the tour to Australia this summer, culminating in the highly anticipated Test series against the Wallabies," Farrell said.
He highlighted Nucifora’s extensive understanding of Australian rugby, Walters’ World Cup-winning pedigree, and Hammond’s proven track record with the Lions as invaluable assets to the squad’s preparation and success.
The Lions’ tour to Australia will feature 10 matches, including a three-Test series against the Wallabies.
