Johnny Sexton defends Irish dominance in Lions squad ahead of Australia tour

Johnny Sexton has defended the record number of Ireland players included in the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer’s tour of Australia.

Lions boss Andy Farrell, who has also been head coach of Ireland since 2019, named 15 in his initial 38-man selection before Finlay Bealham’s call-up as injury replacement for Zander Fagerson increased the total to 16.

Leinster’s 12-strong contingent arrived in camp on Monday afternoon following their United Rugby Championship success, joining Munster captain Tadhg Beirne and Connacht trio Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Bealham.

Former Ireland captain Sexton, who is part of Farrell’s coaching team for the three-Test series against the Wallabies, pointed to the form of his country’s national team when asked about the selection.

“Well, Ireland have done pretty well over the last few years, having won the (Six Nations) championship last year, the Grand Slam the year before, so you’re probably looking over the last three years,” he told a press conference.

“With some players, coaches would look at form over eight, nine years. It’s not just if you’ve played well in a couple of games in the Six Nations, you can’t force your way in, but sometimes you take a bigger-picture look with players.

“They know the way Andy coaches, they know the system. It didn’t surprise me because, historically, let’s say when there was a Welsh coach and the Welsh team did well, there were the majority of the Welsh team.

“I think the teams that performed the best in the Six Nations got selected.”

Farrell’s squad contains 13 England players and just two from Wales, while Scottish representation reduced to seven following the withdrawal of prop Fagerson.

The Lions are preparing for Friday evening’s pre-tour send-off against Argentina in Dublin.

“With Andy, I’ve never seen such a thorough process with all the combinations and the amount of players that were considered and talked about,” Sexton said.

“Andy did all those players justice in terms of doing enough research and work, asked relevant people and he’s picked the squad he thinks gives him the best chance to win the tour.”

Bath duo Will Stuart and Finn Russell also joined the Lions squad on Monday after celebrating victory in Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final, in addition to lock Ollie Chessum, who played for runners-up Leicester.

Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn is now the only absent player as he is in Top 14 semi-final action with Toulouse on Friday.

Front-row forwards Jamie George and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are set to be released back to the England camp.

Having initially taken a job in the commercial sector following his retirement after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, former Leinster fly-half Sexton is relishing his current role after being tempted into coaching by Farrell.

“No matter what role you come into a Lions set-up, it’s a huge privilege and an honour to be here,” said the 39-year-old, who toured as a player in 2013 and 2017.

“It’s no different being an assistant kicking coach and helping out with the lads, there is still a huge amount of pride to come in here and put – not a jersey – but a badge on your chest. It’s been great to be a part of, a great group so far.

“I’m enjoying being back and hopefully I can add value because that’s ultimately what you want when you come into a job.”