Simon Easterby will take over as interim Ireland head coach during Andy Farrell’s time in charge of the British and Irish Lions.
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Farrell is set to oversee autumn Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia in Dublin before temporarily departing his role to lead next year’s Lions tour against the Wallabies.
Defence coach Easterby will take control from December 1 and steer Ireland through the 2025 Guinness Six Nations and a subsequent summer tour, details of which are yet to be confirmed.
“To be asked to lead the Ireland team is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to accept,” the 49-year-old told the Irish Rugby Football Union website.
“It is the highest achievement of my coaching career to date and I’m looking forward to working with the talented backroom team and players while Andy is away with the British and Irish Lions.”
Easterby joined the Ireland coaching team in 2014 and will next month manage the Emerging Ireland squad’s tour of South Africa, having previously performed that role in 2022.
“I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the men’s national team journey over the last 10 years and I believe that there are even brighter days ahead as we build towards a huge few months,” he continued.
“There’s a lot to play for before December and we’re looking forward to providing the next crop of future Irish players with a chance to impress against talented international opponents in South Africa and then across the four Autumn Nations Series matches at Aviva Stadium.”
Brian O’Driscoll didn’t hesitate when naming the best player he’s ever seen live
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with the Six Nations website, here are his top five opponents:
5. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try.
Brian O’Driscoll SAID: “Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game.”
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