John Dalziel named as British and Irish Lions assistant coach

Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel has been named as part of Andy Farrell’s staff for this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Dalziel’s work as part of Gregor Townsend’s coaching team with Scotland has earned him a place on the ten-game tour, which will begin in June with a match against Argentina in Dublin.

The Lions then head Down Under to play a series of matches that culminate in a trio of tests against the Wallabies.

Dalziel said it was a “pinch yourself moment” and an honour to be selected.

“Being selected as assistant coach for the British and Irish Lions is the pinnacle for any coach and is something I’m hugely honoured about,” he said. “It’s a real pinch yourself moment.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about the Lions and grew up watching the tours and documentaries. This will be more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced given the frequency and importance of the games. It’s a massively exciting opportunity.

“I am appreciative of Scottish Rugby for the experiences I’ve been given here which has allowed me to be selected.

“Throughout my time here I’ve always focused on keeping my head down and working hard to be the best coach I can be for Scotland. I’m fortunate that someone has seen something in that work to appoint me in this role.”

The full Lions squad is set to be announced on May 8 and Dalziel said that even though discussions over who would make the cut would begin immediately, there was still time for players to push their case for inclusion, with Scots likely to be in the mix.

He said: “We have our first coaches meeting this week in London and I would imagine the topic of selection will be high on the agenda.

“The players still have a lot of rugby to be played between now and the final selection so even guys who missed out on the Six Nations through injury could still make a case to go on tour.

“The depth and quality of the players we have in Scotland is really encouraging and I’m optimistic that we’ll be well represented.”