Former IRFU performance director David Nucifora is set to be part of Andy Farrell’s backroom set-up for the Lions tour this summer.
The former Wallaby and a one-time close ally of Australia coach Joe Schmidt, Nucifora is reported to have joined Farrell on a recce to his homeland this month. The Belfast Telegraph understands the report to be on the money.
Nucifora is currently working for the Scottish Rugby Union in a similar role to the one he held with Ireland, while he previously coached Blues and the Brumbies in Super Rugby.
He left Ireland at the end of his contract last year and during the 2023 World Cup Farrell heaped praise on his work in building the national team into a real force.
It is not yet known what role Nucifora will play on tour, but his intricate knowledge of Australian rugby will be a real asset to Farrell.
Ireland’s head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters will also join Farrell on tour in a similar role.
The Welshman was also part of the information gathering mission in Australia, having joined the Irish set-up in the autumn from England.
He previously worked with Munster and was the head of strength and conditioning when South Africa won the 2019 World Cup.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Farrell will not be visiting the training camps of the four contributing Lions nations during the Six Nations.
The former England international, who is on sabbatical from his role as Ireland head coach, will instead keep an open line of communication with Warren Gatland, Steve Borthwick and Gregor Townsend during the tournament.
Previously, Gatland – who coached the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021 – visited Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland training during the tournament to get a feel for how the players worked, but Farrell has decided to take a different course.
He will attend a number of matches during the tournament, with Simon Easterby stepping into his role as Ireland coach until the tour’s completion.