Simon Easterby confirmed as Ireland interim manager – The Irish Times

The IRFU has confirmed that Simon Easterby will, as expected, take over the role of interim head coach of the Ireland men’s national team from December 1 to fill the void created by Andy Farrell’s sabbatical as Lions head coach during their tour of Australia next summer.

Easterby will lead Ireland into the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship, where they will aim to become the first team to win the title three seasons in a row. Easterby will also be head coach of Ireland’s 2025 summer tour, details of which are yet to be confirmed.

Easterby was brought into the Irish coaching staff in the summer of 2014 as a replacement for John Plumtree and is now in his 11th season with the Irish coaching staff. After six and a half seasons as Ireland’s forwards coach, first under Joe Schmidt and then Farrell, Easterby became defence coach in January 2021 when Paul O’Connell was co-opted onto the ticket.

He already has head coaching experience, having led the Scarlets for two seasons and Emerging Ireland on their tour of South Africa, a role he will resume later this month after unveiling the squad on Wednesday morning.

Commenting on the announcement, IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: “I am delighted to confirm Simon’s promotion later this year and it is recognition of his development and great reputation as a coach within the Irish team over the last 10 years.

“Today’s announcement ensures a smooth transition and continuity as Ireland look to prepare for the exciting months ahead. Over the last decade, Simon has moved from forwards coach to defence coach and has played a key role in Ireland’s success during that time.

“As head coach of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in 2022, he has been at the forefront as a number of players have attempted to secure international caps in the interim. We hope that Simon and his coaching staff can help to deliver more positive performances during the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa and then in the months to come.”

Easterby commented: “It is a huge honour to be entrusted with the management of the Ireland team and I am delighted to accept it. I look forward to working with the talented squad and players while Andy is away with the British and Irish Lions.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the men’s national team over the last 10 years and I believe there are even brighter days ahead as we head into a very busy few months. There is much to play for before December and we look forward to giving the next generation of future Irish players a chance to impress against talented international opposition in South Africa and then in the four-match Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium.”