Scotland Coach Dalziel Set for British & Irish Lions Call-Up

Farrell Assembles His Lions Coaching Team Scotland

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour fast approaching, head coach Andy Farrell is finalizing his backroom staff, and a key addition is set to be Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel.

Dalziel, who has been Scotland’s forwards specialist since 2020, will join England senior coach Richard Wigglesworth, as well as several key figures from Farrell’s Ireland setup, in a coaching team built to bring fresh ideas and a dynamic approach to the Lions’ first Test series in 12 years.

With Paul O’Connell—widely expected to lead the Lions’ pack—out of the picture, Farrell has turned to Dalziel and Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty to take charge of the forwards. Meanwhile, Simon Easterby is expected to run the defense, and Wigglesworth will oversee skills and attack.

As Farrell prepares to announce his final coaching lineup on Wednesday, let’s take a closer look at what Dalziel brings to the table and how the Lions are shaping up for their upcoming challenge.

Dalziel’s Rise: From Glasgow to the Lions

Lions spring surprise by turning to Scotland’s John Dalziel as forwards coach

John Dalziel’s inclusion in Farrell’s coaching team marks a significant step in his coaching career.

🔹 Played for Melrose RFC before transitioning into coaching
🔹 Coached Scotland’s U20s and the Scotland Sevens team
🔹 Joined Glasgow Warriors as forwards coach in 2019
🔹 Promoted to Scotland’s senior coaching staff in 2020

Since taking charge of Scotland’s forwards, Dalziel has been instrumental in developing a highly physical, set-piece-oriented pack, helping Scotland compete with the very best in the world. His scrum expertise, breakdown strategy, and lineout work have been key factors in Scotland’s rise under Gregor Townsend.

Now, with the Lions gearing up for a massive Test series, Farrell believes Dalziel can bring that same edge to the touring squad.

“Dalziel has done an excellent job with Scotland’s pack, particularly in set-piece dominance and defensive mauls. He’ll bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh tactical insights to the Lions.”

Why Dalziel’s Appointment is Significant

Scotland coach Dalziel set for Lions call-up

Dalziel’s addition to the coaching staff brings a valuable northern perspective, ensuring that the Lions don’t become too Ireland-centric under Farrell’s leadership.

With Farrell leading Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023, it was expected that much of his Lions coaching team would come from his Irish setup.

However, the inclusion of Dalziel (Scotland) and Wigglesworth (England) ensures that there is representation from multiple nations, offering different tactical viewpoints.

🔹 What Dalziel Brings to the Lions:

✅ Set-Piece Dominance – Scotland’s lineout and scrum have improved significantly under Dalziel. His technical expertise will be crucial against South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand.
✅ Breakdown Efficiency – Expect the Lions to be highly aggressive in ruck battles, securing quicker ball for their attack.
✅ Physicality & Grit – Scotland’s forwards have developed into a tough, uncompromising unit, something the Lions will need in a brutal Test series.

Wigglesworth’s Role: Unlocking the Lions’ Attack

Another major non-Irish addition is Richard Wigglesworth, England’s senior coach.

Wigglesworth has played a key role in reshaping England’s attacking style, especially during their strong Six Nations campaign, where they averaged five tries per game—a major jump from 2.7 tries in the autumn internationals.

His task with the Lions? Bring attacking creativity and faster ball movement to a squad filled with world-class talent.

Farrell’s Full Coaching Lineup: What We Know So Far

As Farrell prepares to finalize his team, here’s how the Lions coaching staff is shaping up:

With the coaching setup nearly complete, attention now turns to squad selection.

What’s Next for the Lions?

With the coaching team taking shape, the next major milestone is the squad announcement on May 8.

The Lions will kick off their tour on June 20 with a historic clash against Argentina in Dublin, before heading on a three-Test series against one of the Southern Hemisphere giants.

🔹 Key Dates for the British & Irish Lions:

📅 April 10 – Farrell finalizes his coaching team
📅 May 8 – Lions squad announcement
📅 June 20 – First match vs. Argentina (Dublin)

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach for the Lions

Farrell’s coaching team is now almost complete, and the mix of Irish, Scottish, and English coaches suggests a well-rounded approach for the Lions.

✅ Dalziel brings forward dominance & set-piece expertise
✅ Wigglesworth injects attacking dynamism
✅ Fogarty & Easterby provide tactical stability

With a squad full of elite British and Irish talent, the Lions will be aiming for their first Test series win in 12 years.

Will this coaching staff be the team to bring the Lions back to glory?

The countdown to the 2025 tour has officially begun.