Head coach Andy Farrell will be stepping down from Ireland’s rugby union team after the Autumn Nations Series, making way for a new chapter in leadership.
Simon Easterby, a long-time fixture in Ireland’s coaching staff, will step into the spotlight, taking charge of the squad for the upcoming year.
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Andy Farrell Eyes Australia as Lions Head Coach
Andy Farrell is taking on one of rugby’s top gigs next summer – Head Coach of the British & Irish Lions. His focus will be on a blockbuster three-Test series against Australia’s Wallabies, marking Farrell’s debut as Lions head coach in one of rugby’s most coveted positions.
A Guinness Six Nations Without Farrell
With Farrell joining the Lions, he won’t be around to lead Ireland in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, where Ireland aim to clinch an impressive third consecutive championship. Easterby’s promotion fills the gap, keeping Ireland’s momentum on track.
Easterby “Honoured” by the Opportunity
Easterby is more than ready for the role. “To be asked to lead the Ireland team is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to accept,” Easterby shared, adding his excitement about collaborating with Ireland’s skilled backroom team and players in Farrell’s absence.
IRFU Praises Easterby’s Rise
David Humphreys, IRFU’s performance director, voiced his support, saying, “I am delighted to confirm Simon’s promotion
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Fans have just realised glamorous rugby presenter is married to Ireland head coach
Easterby takes over the reins as Andy Farrell prepares to lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia. Easterby, who earned 65 caps in a green jersey, is well-equipped for the role, bringing a wealth of experience to Ireland’s Six Nations campaign in 2025.
His coaching credentials include leading Ireland’s 2022 tour of South Africa, where he was front and centre. Born to an Irish mother from Blackrock, Dublin, Easterby’s journey with the national side continues as his tenure as head coach begins on 1 December 2024.
Who Is Sarra Elgan?
Backing Simon Easterby every step of the way is his wife, Sarra Elgan, a well-known sports presenter in her own right. Sarra, 44, hails from Neath in Wales and has rugby in her blood, being the daughter of former Wales and British Lions rugby player Elgan Rees and Kathryn Rees.
Sarra has made her mark on the broadcasting world, starting her punditry career in 2007. Over the years, she has worked for major sports networks, including ESPN, TNT Sport, and Sky Sports, where she covered the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.
Proud of Her Identity
Sarra is unapologetically herself on and off the screen. Known for her glamorous appearance, she embraces her love for beauty while passionately advocating for her love of rugby. “Yes, I’m blonde, yes I love fake tan, yes I love make-up.
“But it doesn’t take away from the fact that I love rugby and I know rugby,” she shared in an interview.
She added: “Everyone has to be themselves. You shouldn’t have to change the way you are to conform. That’s always been really important to me.”
Family Life
Simon and Sarra Easterby are proud parents of two children. Their daughter, Soffia, born in 2007, is a talented hockey player, while their son, Ffredi, born in 2009, is already following in his father’s rugby footsteps.
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