counter easy hit Simon Easterby addresses Wales job speculation after Ireland’s underwhelming Six Nations campaign – Wanto Ever

Simon Easterby addresses Wales job speculation after Ireland’s underwhelming Six Nations campaign


IRELAND interim head coach Simon Easterby insisted he is committed to the IRFU – despite being linked with the Wales job. 

Easterby, 49, stepped up from defence coach to take charge of Ireland for this year as Andy Farrell departed briefly to lead the Lions.

Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Italy v Ireland - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 15, 2025 Ireland's Peter O'Mahony celebrates with teammates after the match REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Ireland defeated Italy in their final Six Nations game of the 2025 season

15 March 2025; Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby and Jack Crowley of Ireland after the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Simon Easterby says there’s be no contact with the WRU

But Farrell will return to his Ireland position next season, and Easterby – who has worked for the IRFU since 2014 – will revert to his assistant role. 

That has led to speculation that Easterby could leave for Wales, where he lives, as the WRU look for a long-term successor for Warren Gatland who left last month.

But the Ireland interim head coach insisted there has been no contact. 

He said: “I’m committed. I think when your name gets bandied around, that’s all it is, its just speculation. 

“If I’d been contacted I’d tell you, but I haven’t.

So, that’s the way it is at the moment.

“I love what I do. I’m very fortunate and it (Wales) might be 15 minutes up the road.

“But I just feel very fortunate that I get the experiences I get to do this while Faz (Andy Farrell) is away.

“I get to work with great people and how important that is. I’m pretty happy where I am.”


About admin