Conditioning guru Aled Walters has been appointed as British & Irish Lions head of athletic performance for their 2025 tour to Australia.

Walters, who played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ victorious 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign, joins Andy Farrell’s new-look backroom staff on secondment from Ireland’s coaching setup.

The Welshman brings a wealth of experience, having transformed South Africa into one of the fittest teams in the world under Rassie Erasmus.

After his stint with the Boks, he contributed to Leicester Tigers’ Premiership triumph in 2022 and later joined Ireland, where he became a trusted figure in their high-performance program.

Farrell praised Walters, calling him “one of the absolute best,” and highlighted his expertise from working across international and Super Rugby environments. Walters will officially begin his Lions role following the 2025 Six Nations.

Joining Walters are David Nucifora as performance general manager and Vinny Hammond as head of analysis.

Nucifora, a former Wallaby hooker and Brumbies coach, brings vast experience from his roles with Ireland and Scotland, while Hammond returns for his third Lions tour, having previously served in 2017 and 2021.

Farrell’s coaching trio recently completed a recce in Australia, visiting host cities and stadiums in preparation for the 10-match tour Down Under.

The Englishman will finalise his full coaching team after the conclusion of the Six Nations.