Ireland’s new head coach, Simon Easterby, is no stranger to Irish rugby fans, having been a fan favourite during his playing days and now stepping up to lead the national team.
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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.
With Sarra’s support and Simon’s wealth of experience, the Easterby family is set to take on the next chapter in Irish rugby history together.
England players Partners:
#1. Beth Dolling (Marcus Smith)
Beth Dolling, whose Instagram handle is @bethdolling, is presently romantically involved with Marcus Smith, the fly-half for Harlequins.
Their relationship began in 2019, but the details of their initial encounter remain undisclosed. Beth is not only a model but also a singer, having participated in various campaigns for renowned brands like PrettyLittleThing, Missy Empire, and Rebellious.
She is affiliated with M Models in Manchester and Body London, showcasing glimpses of her fashion shoots on her Instagram story.
With 34,000 followers on Instagram, Beth keeps her fans engaged with her captivating content.
#2. Hollie Shearer (Joe Marchant)
Joe Marchant, the talented Harlequins centre, is currently involved in a delightful relationship with musician Hollie Shearer. Their love story has blossomed over the course of a year, and they radiate happiness as a couple.
Hollie is not only Joe's partner but also a gifted singer-songwriter with her music available on Spotify. She has captivated audiences with her soulful performances, including a memorable showcase at The Spice of Life. Hollie's talent and dedication have garnered her a strong following, with 68,000 Instagram followers eagerly keeping up with her artistic journey. For those interested, her Instagram handle is @hollieshearer.
#3. Katie George (Jamie George)
Katie George and Jamie George, the Saracens hooker, are happily married. They tied the knot in 2020 after being in a relationship for six years. At their wedding, Jamie's teammate Elliot Daly had the honor of being his best man. Their enduring bond reflects a deep connection and a shared journey of love and commitment.
#4. Megan Ely (Jack Willis)
Willis, the esteemed Toulouse flanker, is in a committed, long-term relationship with his girlfriend Megan.
Together, they share the joy of parenthood as proud parents to their son, Enzo, who was born in December 2021. Recently, in a heartwarming Instagram post, Megan expressed her love for their little bundle of joy.
She shared a collection of adorable photos capturing Enzo's playful and spirited nature, while showering him with heartfelt birthday wishes. Megan emphasized that being the parents of such a charismatic and determined little boy is their most significant accomplishment, emphasizing the immense love they have for him.
#5. Jessica Lawes (Courtney Lawes)
Despite her impeccable physique, it might surprise you to learn that Jessica Lawes is a mother of four, alongside her husband Courtney, a flanker for the Northampton Saints.
In a grand ceremony held in July 2015, the couple exchanged their vows, marking the beginning of their marital journey.
Recently, Jessica, who is not only a property developer but also a blogger, openly shared her concerns about the prospect of her children following in their father's rugby-playing footsteps. She admitted her worries centered around their safety, expressing, "I'm uncertain whether I'd want them to pursue rugby. I can already picture myself rushing onto the field, urging them to halt."
#5. Georgie Farrell (Owen Farrell)
Maintaining a remarkably low profile, Owen and Georgie Farrell lead a private life, even though Owen is recognized as one of England's prominent players.
As the captain of Saracens, Owen has garnered much acclaim, yet both he and Georgie choose to keep their personal lives away from the public eye. In the summer of 2018, they exchanged vows and embarked on their journey as a married couple.
The following year, they welcomed their first child into the world, and in 2021, their family grew further with the arrival of their second child. Together, Owen and Georgie cherish their precious moments as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.
#7. Charlotte Youngs (Ben Youngs)
Ben and Charlotte, formerly known as Beardshaw, reportedly crossed paths in London during a charity event dedicated to honoring veteran doctors and physiologists. Charlotte, who works as a Cosmetic Nurse at The Hospital Group, possesses expertise in various skin treatments including skin peels, Botox, fillers, and dermaroller as outlined on her LinkedIn profile.
Their union took place in 2015, and they are now parents to two young children named Boris and Billie. Charlotte, known for her strong work ethic, is said to be adept at managing the dual responsibilities of her profession and motherhood, all while providing unwavering support to her husband, who is a scrumhalf for the Leicester Tigers.
#8. Chantelle Garrity (Manu Tuilagi)
Tuilagi, the talented Sale Sharks player, shares a beautiful relationship with Chantelle Garrity. They are blessed with two children, forming a loving and close-knit family.
Recently, on Chantelle's birthday, Manu took to Instagram to express his deep affection and appreciation for her. In a heartfelt post, he declared Chantelle as his absolute world and thanked her for the countless ways she enriches their lives.
Manu emphasized the profound love they share as a family and conveyed their heartfelt wishes, underscoring just how cherished Chantelle is to them.
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