Fordham joins the Lions on a 12-month secondment from Premiership Rugby, where he holds the same position.
The former sports journalist brings extensive media and communications expertise to the organisation and will play a central role in telling the story of the 2025 Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Men’s Series.
He will lead on media management, corporate communications and PR, as well as delivery of media events ahead of and during the Tour to Australia.
Fordham will report into Shane Whelan, Director of Digital, Marketing and Communications.
In his role with Premiership Rugby Fordham is a trusted adviser to the league’s executive and the 10 top-flight clubs. The ex-rugby correspondent has reported on two Lions tours – South Africa 2021 and New Zealand 2017 – and has since forged an impressive career in sports comms working with players, rights holders and brands in rugby, football, Formula 1 and cricket.
Shane Whelan, Director of Digital, Marketing and Communications, said: “Jonny is an excellent addition to the Lions team. Jonny has a deep understanding of the Lions and the media landscape, whilst also bringing a wider wealth of communications experience across major events throughout sport.
“I am grateful to Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor and Chairman Martyn Phillips for their support in allowing a key member of their team join us.”
Commenting on his appointment, Jonny Fordham said: “The British & Irish Lions are the most-iconic touring team in world sport, so it is a huge honour and privilege to take on this role.
“I am grateful to everyone at Premiership Rugby for their support in facilitating this secondment.
“Having worked closely with the Lions it is clearly a hugely exciting time to join – with the Lions Men’s Tour to Australia in 2025 and the build-up to the very first Lions Women’s Tour to New Zealand in 2027.”
