Andy Farrell appoints first members of British and Irish Lions coaching staff

The British and Irish Lions have confirmed David Nucifora and Aled Walters as the first appointments to Andy Farrell's backroom staff for this summer's tour to Australia.

Nucifora has been seconded from Scottish Rugby and will perform the role of general manager of performance, while head of athletic performance Walters joins from the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Completing the trio of recruits for the 10-fixture tour is Ireland's Vinny Hammond, who will travel Down Under as head of analysis.

Nucifora is Australian, won two caps in the early 1990s and worked closely with current Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt when they were both employed by the IRFU, while Walters helped South Africa win the 2019 World Cup.

"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.

"David's unrivalled experience will help us shape and deliver such a challenging and exciting rugby programme, whilst also bringing essential insight into Australian rugby and the country as a whole.

"Aled is a World Cup winner who has worked with players across England and Ireland and has also coached in Australia and Super Rugby with the Brumbies.

"And Vinny's Lions pedigree from touring New Zealand and South Africa brings continuity and Lions experience, which will be crucial to success down under."

PA