Simon Easterby Hails ‘Huge Honour’ as He Prepares to Lead Ireland in 2025

Simon Easterby has expressed his pride at being named interim head coach of Ireland’s national rugby team for 2025, as he steps in while Andy Farrell takes a sabbatical to coach the British and Irish Lions. The announcement comes after Farrell’s remarkable success, guiding Ireland to back-to-back Six Nations titles.

Easterby, a former Ireland flanker and current member of the coaching team, will take charge of the squad during the 2025 Six Nations and a summer tour. Farrell, who will remain in his role through the autumn of 2024—overseeing tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia—will shift his focus to preparing for the Lions’ tour of Australia in the summer of 2025, where he will face his former boss, Joe Schmidt, now part of the Wallabies' coaching setup.

"For me, to be asked to lead the Ireland team is a huge honour, and one that I am thrilled to accept," Easterby said, reflecting on his new role. A seasoned member of the Irish coaching staff, Easterby joined the setup in 2014, initially working under Schmidt as forwards coach before transitioning to a defensive specialist in 2021 under Farrell. His extensive experience within the team gives him a solid foundation to lead Ireland into this crucial period.

"I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the men's national team journey over the last 10 years," Easterby added. "I believe that there are even brighter days ahead as we build towards a huge few months."

Easterby is also set to lead an Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa next month, offering rising stars in Irish rugby a valuable opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage. This development mission will serve as a critical step in preparing for the future, ahead of Ireland's competitive challenges in 2025.

As Ireland prepares for a busy autumn fixture list at the Aviva Stadium, the team will not only face the reigning world champion All Blacks but also clashes against Argentina, Fiji, and the Wallabies. Easterby noted the importance of these matches as the squad gears up for what lies ahead, saying, "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."

With Easterby at the helm for 2025, Irish rugby remains in familiar and experienced hands, ensuring continuity while Farrell is away. His appointment underscores the strength of Ireland’s coaching system and the depth of leadership that has been cultivated within the national setup. Fans and players alike will look forward to seeing how Easterby continues Ireland's upward trajectory in the years to come.