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Simon Easterby to take interim charge of Ireland while Andy Farrell focuses on British and Irish Lions role

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The Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed Simon Easterby will become interim head coach of Ireland from December.

The appointment will see Easterby step up from his defence coach role for the 2025 Six Nations and summer tour.

Easterby takes the reins from Andy Farrell, who will be taking charge of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia next summer, live on Sky Sports.

Former Ireland forward Easterby will also lead an Emerging Ireland squad for a second time in South Africa next month.

Easterby said: “To be asked to lead the Ireland team is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to accept.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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Highlights of Ireland’s thrilling win over South Africa during their drawn summer series

IRFU performance director David Humphreys added: “I am delighted to confirm Simon’s promotion later this year and it is recognition of his evolution and high standing as a coach within the Ireland set-up over the last 10 years.

“Today’s announcement ensures a smooth transition and continuity as Ireland looks to build towards an exciting few months ahead.

“Over the last decade Simon has moved from forwards coach to defence coach and he has played a key role in Ireland’s success during that time.


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“As head coach for the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in 2022 he had a front-row seat as a number of players pushed on to achieve international selection in the intervening period.

“It is our hope that Simon and his coaching team can help reap more positive performances in the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa and then in the months to come.”

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James Cole and Megan Wellens discuss their picks for who would have caught Andy Farrell’s eye during the 2024 Six Nations tournament to put their name in the frame for the British and Irish Lions’ tour in 2025

Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.

Sky Sports to show 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia

Sky Sports will exclusively show the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Tests and six warm-up matches to be shown live.

The agreement sees Sky Sports broadcast its eighth consecutive Lions Tour, with the partnership starting in 1997 with the iconic 2-1 series win over South Africa.

British and Irish Lions 2025 tour schedule

Date Opponent Venue
Saturday, June 28 Western Force Perth
Wednesday, July 2 Queensland Reds Brisbane
Saturday, July 5 Waratahs Sydney
Wednesday, July 9 Brumbies Canberra
Saturday, July 12 Invitational AU-NZ Adelaide
Saturday, July 19 AUSTRALIA (first Test) Brisbane
Wednesday, July 22 Melbourne Rebels Melbourne
Saturday, July 26 AUSTRALIA (second Test) Melbourne
Saturday, August 2 AUSTRALIA (third Test) Sydney

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