Ireland’s new head coach, Simon Easterby, is no stranger to Irish rugby fans, having been a fan favourite during his playing days and now stepping up to lead the national team.
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Easterby takes over the reins as Andy Farrell prepares to lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia. Easterby, who earned 65 caps in a green jersey, is well-equipped for the role, bringing a wealth of experience to Ireland’s Six Nations campaign in 2025.
His coaching credentials include leading Ireland’s 2022 tour of South Africa, where he was front and centre. Born to an Irish mother from Blackrock, Dublin, Easterby’s journey with the national side continues as his tenure as head coach begins on 1 December 2024.
Who Is Sarra Elgan?
Backing Simon Easterby every step of the way is his wife, Sarra Elgan, a well-known sports presenter in her own right. Sarra, 44, hails from Neath in Wales and has rugby in her blood, being the daughter of former Wales and British Lions rugby player Elgan Rees and Kathryn Rees.
Sarra has made her mark on the broadcasting world, starting her punditry career in 2007. Over the years, she has worked for major sports networks, including ESPN, TNT Sport, and Sky Sports, where she covered the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.
Proud of Her Identity
Sarra is unapologetically herself on and off the screen. Known for her glamorous appearance, she embraces her love for beauty while passionately advocating for her love of rugby. “Yes, I’m blonde, yes I love fake tan, yes I love make-up.
“But it doesn’t take away from the fact that I love rugby and I know rugby,” she shared in an interview.
She added: “Everyone has to be themselves. You shouldn’t have to change the way you are to conform. That’s always been really important to me.”
Family Life
Simon and Sarra Easterby are proud parents of two children. Their daughter, Soffia, born in 2007, is a talented hockey player, while their son, Ffredi, born in 2009, is already following in his father’s rugby footsteps.
With Sarra’s support and Simon’s wealth of experience, the Easterby family is set to take on the next chapter in Irish rugby history together.
England players Partners:
#1. Beth Dolling (Marcus Smith)
Beth Dolling, whose Instagram handle is @bethdolling, is presently romantically involved with Marcus Smith, the fly-half for Harlequins.
Their relationship began in 2019, but the details of their initial encounter remain undisclosed. Beth is not only a model but also a singer, having participated in various campaigns for renowned brands like PrettyLittleThing, Missy Empire, and Rebellious.
She is affiliated with M Models in Manchester and Body London, showcasing glimpses of her fashion shoots on her Instagram story.
With 34,000 followers on Instagram, Beth keeps her fans engaged with her captivating content.
