Simon Easterby’s Ireland Squad: Six Nations 2025 Preview
Ireland’s interim head coach, Simon Easterby, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, and there are plenty of talking points to dissect. With Andy Farrell busy leading the British and Irish Lions, Easterby has stepped up to the plate, bringing a mix of experience and youth to the table. Let’s dive into the details of the squad selection and what it means for Ireland’s chances in the tournament.
Key Players Available
The good news for Easterby is the availability of key players who have recovered from injuries just in time for the tournament. Dan Sheehan, a pivotal figure in Ireland’s recent successes, has returned to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury. His inclusion will undoubtedly bolster Ireland’s forward pack, providing much-needed depth and quality. Additionally, the return of James Lowe and Tadhg Furlong adds further strength to the squad, giving Easterby plenty of options to choose from as he prepares for the opening clash against England.
Old Guard Retained
Easterby’s decision to stick with Ireland’s seasoned campaigners, including Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Iain Henderson, and Rob Herring, shows faith in the experienced core of the team. Despite their injury concerns, these players bring leadership, skill, and composure to the squad, which will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the Six Nations. While Easterby has introduced some young blood into the mix, he recognizes the value of having a blend of youth and experience to achieve success at the highest level of the game.
Blade Edges Out Murphy but Ahern Overlooked
In the selection process, Easterby has opted to include development players like Hugh Cooney, Cathal Forde, James McNabney, and Ben Murphy, providing them with an opportunity to impress and stake a claim for future selection. Murphy, in particular, has been in scintillating form for Connacht, making a strong case for inclusion in the main squad. However, Easterby ultimately went with Caolin Blade, highlighting the tough decisions coaches have to make when assembling a squad. The omission of Tom Ahern and Nick Timoney, despite their standout performances, underscores the fierce competition for places in the Ireland setup.
Prendergast or Crowley?
As the Six Nations approaches, one of the key decisions facing Easterby is the selection of his fly-half. With Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast vying for the starting spot, the competition is intense. While Crowley has shown his ability to impact games off the bench, Prendergast’s recent debut and impressive performances have added a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. The fly-half dilemma will be a crucial one for Ireland, as they seek to avenge last year’s defeat to England and kick off their campaign on a winning note.
As Easterby finalizes his plans and strategies for the upcoming Six Nations, the pressure is on to deliver results and uphold Ireland’s proud rugby tradition. With a squad full of talent, experience, and hunger for success, the stage is set for an enthralling tournament filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Ireland fans will be eagerly anticipating the action, hoping that Easterby’s squad can rise to the occasion and make their mark on the international stage.
