Simon Easterby Honored to Take Interim Role with Ireland

Simon Easterby expressed his excitement about leading Ireland on an interim basis, calling it a “huge honor.” Easterby, currently the defensive coach for Ireland will step into the role while head coach Andy Farrell takes a sabbatical to coach the British and Irish Lions in Australia next summer. Farrell will remain with Ireland for the autumn fixtures where they will face the All Blacks, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

Following these matches, Farrell will shift his focus to preparing for the Wallabies, coached by his former boss Joe Schmidt. Easterby, who has been with the Irish coaching team since 2014 will take charge during the 2025 Six Nations and a summer tour. Easterby, who joined Ireland’s coaching staff as a forwards coach under Joe Schmidt before becoming a defensive specialist in 2021, stated his pride in being selected to lead the team.

He noted that the past decade with the national team has been highly rewarding and expressed confidence in the team’s future prospects. Easterby will also oversee an Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa next month before taking on his interim role. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming months, aiming to give emerging Irish players opportunities to showcase their talents.

Simon Easterby looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, both in South Africa and during the autumn internationals at Aviva Stadium. His tenure will be crucial as Ireland builds toward significant competitions and continues to develop its player base.