Ireland boss could depart after the 2025 Six Nations

Sunday, 09 March 2025 at 22:10

byRugby Rucker

Ireland's interim head coach, Simon Easterby, has shut down the ongoing speculation linking him to the vacant Wales head coach role, insisting that he has had no contact from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Despite reports suggesting Easterby as a top contender to replace Warren Gatland, the former Scarlets boss isn't fazed by the talk.

“Speculation is Exactly That”

"I didn’t really know that I had been linked, but of course there’s been speculation and that’s all it is: speculation," Easterby told reporters after naming his team to face Wales in this weekend’s Six Nations clash in Cardiff. "I’m not in control of that. I love what I do here. I’ve been in this position with the team for a long time and I’m very fortunate with the people I get to work with, both management and players, and for me that’s a dream job."

Focus on Saturday, Not Speculation

The Yorkshire-born coach, who has been with the Irish set-up since 2014 and currently leads the team while Andy Farrell is with the British and Irish Lions, made it clear he wasn’t paying attention to the rumours. "Speculation is exactly that, it’s speculation and it’s not something I can control."

“Right Now, This Is My Only Focus”

When asked about his future, Easterby kept his cards close to his chest. "Right now, this is my only focus and whatever happens in the future… in a year’s time you could lose your job and we know in sport it’s fairly fluid around people moving from thing to thing," he added.

No Contact from the WRU

Despite ongoing reports suggesting Easterby is a frontrunner for the job, he confirmed: "Whatever’s gone on, I’ve had no contact from the WRU, so for me it’s all guns blazing towards Cardiff on Saturday and making sure me and the other coaches prepare the team in the right way. Whatever speculation goes on outside of that is outside of my control."

Easterby’s Future: Up in the Air

While Easterby continues to lead Ireland’s charge, reports suggest that he remains one of the WRU’s favourite candidates for the job. Should the WRU come calling, he could be on his way after the 2025 Six Nations. But for now, his focus is solely on Ireland’s showdown with Italy next Saturday

Five players who’ve played themselves onto the Lions tour this weekend

The 2025 Six Nations is serving up drama on a plate, and Scotland’s commanding win over Wales, alongside England’s dominant performance against Italy, has only added to the spectacle.

Among the action, a few standout players have made a serious case for their spots on the British & Irish Lions tour. Here’s a look at five who’ve caught the eye this weekend.

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Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)

“You just earned your Lions jersey, Blair!”

Kinghorn was simply sensational—two tries, top-class kicking, and all-round brilliance. The Man of the Match was playing through illness but still produced a performance of such quality that it might just earn him a seat on the plane to South Africa.

He was solid in the air, showed footballing intelligence, and delivered a try-saving tackle. A complete full-back display that made every rugby fan sit up and take notice.

Ollie Chessum (England)

“Stealing hearts—and lineouts!”

Chessum was at the heart of everything England did well, from dominating the lineout to popping up in all the right places, even on the wing. Though his steals weren’t plentiful, his pressure was constant, ensuring the set-piece was well-oiled and England’s front-foot play kept rolling.

His relentless work ethic in attack and defence furthered his case for Lions selection, and we reckon he’s edging closer to a spot on the plane.

Fin Smith (England)

“Step aside, world. Fin Smith has arrived.”

With every game, Smith is looking more and more like the finished article. His kicking game was on fire—whether from hand or tee—and his composure in tricky situations was textbook.

It’s his game management, though, that makes him stand out: steering England around the park with maturity and flair. If Lions selectors weren’t already watching, they should be now.

Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

“The breakdown king strikes again!”

Ritchie was a force at the breakdown, winning penalties and constantly disrupting Welsh ball. His decision-making, including calling for a try to be checked, could have been pivotal in Scotland's win.

Whether in attack or defence, he was everywhere—winning turnover penalties and showing complete dominance over the breakdown. It’s hard to imagine the Lions not keeping a close eye on this powerhouse.

Will Stuart (England)

“The scrum machine with silky skills!”

Stuart’s scrum work has been rock-solid for a while now, but it’s his all-round game that’s really catching attention.

Defensively, he was unstoppable, and offensively—well, he capped off an outstanding performance with a sidestep worthy of Tadhg Furlong. If his scrum work wasn’t enough to convince Lions selectors, his cheeky touches in attack certainly will. Definitely in the mix for that No.3 shirt.