Simon Easterby, the interim head coach for Ireland, has been making headlines amid rumors of him potentially taking over as the head coach for Wales. Despite the speculation, Easterby remains fully committed to his current role, leading Ireland to two bonus-point wins at the start of their Six Nations campaign while head coach Andy Farrell is on secondment with the British and Irish Lions.
The 49-year-old, who previously played for and coached Scarlets, resides in Wales, where Ireland is set to face off against the home team in Cardiff on 22 February. Garry Ringrose, a player under Easterby’s coaching, has attested to Easterby’s unwavering focus amidst the swirling rumors.
“I only heard it off one of the lads but, sure, it’s not a thing at all,” Ringrose shared. “Simon is dead focused on trying to prepare as best we can and that’s aligned with what the players are driving to.”
Aled Walters, Ireland’s head of athletic performance who worked alongside Easterby during his time at Scarlets, acknowledged the inevitability of such speculation given Easterby’s coaching prowess. Despite the chatter, Walters commended Easterby’s dedication and the team’s unwavering focus on their upcoming matches.
“He’s that good a coach that there’s always going to be speculation in professional sport, that’s human nature,” Walters noted. “There’s been a change with Wales, and the fact that he lives there, he was always going to be linked.”
Walters emphasized Easterby’s seamless transition into the head coach position after serving as an assistant for over a decade. He praised Easterby for bringing his unique perspective and leadership to the team, highlighting his consistent presence and influence.
“He’s really brought his own flavour to things. It’s been great to see,” Walters remarked. “Even in the autumn, he’s a leader. It’s not like he’s been sat back in the shadows and all of a sudden thrust into the limelight. It hasn’t felt that different. He’s been there the whole time.”
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming match against Wales, Easterby’s steadfast focus and leadership continue to inspire the Irish team to strive for excellence on the field. With his experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Easterby remains a pivotal figure in Ireland’s rugby journey, setting the stage for an exciting clash against Wales in the Six Nations.
