Ireland's New Rugby Coach Is A Former Lion And Married To A TV Star

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Taking the reins from Andy Farrell
Easterby replaces Andy Farrell, who is gearing up to coach the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia. With 65 caps for Ireland and a wealth of coaching experience, Easterby is well-prepared for the challenge ahead. The 49-year-old will oversee Ireland’s Six Nations campaign in 2025 as the team looks to make history.

"It would be incredibly special"
No team has ever secured three outright Six Nations titles in a row, and Easterby knows the odds are stacked against his side. Ireland, back-to-back champions, kick off their campaign against England at the Aviva Stadium on 1 February.

"It would be incredibly special," Easterby told BBC Sport. "It's never been done but that's for a reason, it's incredibly hard to do. We know there's a lot of work prior to us even thinking about that.

"Momentum is a huge thing in the competition and if you get off to a good start then you go some way to achieving that goal."

A journey steeped in green
Easterby’s coaching credentials are impressive. He led Ireland’s tour of South Africa in 2022, proving his tactical nous and leadership skills. Born to an Irish mother in Blackrock, Dublin, Easterby has deep ties to Irish rugby. His tenure as head coach officially began on 1 December 2024, marking the next chapter in his remarkable journey.

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.

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."

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.

We turned to TripAdvisor for the cold, hard verdict, pairing unbiased ratings with a bit of stadium backstory to give you the ultimate ranking. Here’s everything you need to know about the Six Nations’ homes – plus, cast your vote for your favourite at the end!

Capacity: 70,634
Location: Rome, Italy
Opened: 1953

The bio: Italy’s national stadium wasn’t originally designed for rugby – its primary purpose was athletics and football. But since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, the Stadio Olimpico has been its home, offering fans the chance to watch rugby under the shadow of Rome’s stunning architecture. Despite its historic charm, the stadium’s track and distance from the pitch have drawn criticism for hindering the atmosphere.

GOOD REVIEW: “Came here for the rugby, my first international game and I was not disappointed. Lovely stadium, lots of entertainment outside and inside the stadium, not ripped off for food and drinks, everyone was friendly, and the atmosphere was electrifying.”

BAD REVIEW: “It's unbelievable that this is the main stadium in Rome. It's old, dirty, and uncomfortable, and even 3rd division clubs in the UK have better facilities.”

Capacity: 81,338
Location: Saint-Denis, Paris, France
Opened: 1998

The bio: Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and hosts both football and rugby. Known for its impressive size and acoustics, it’s an intimidating fortress when Les Bleus are on form. However, some fans feel the sheer size of the stadium and hostile atmosphere for visiting supporters detract from its charm.

GOOD REVIEW: “I’m an American, and some of the reviews for this stadium, in my opinion, do not do it justice. It is as good as some of the best US sports stadiums. I thought it was great.”

BAD REVIEW: “This venue is not suitable for visiting fans. The atmosphere is hostile to say the least and therefore particularly unsuitable for families.”

Capacity: 82,000
Location: London, England
Opened: 1909

The bio: Known as the "Home of Rugby," Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. It oozes tradition, with its iconic rose emblem and world-class matches dating back over a century. Its close proximity to London makes it easy to reach, but outdated seating and catering facilities have led to criticism in recent years.

GOOD REVIEW: “We go every year to the Army Navy Rugby, and it is amazing there. It has to be the best atmosphere anywhere in the world. If you ever get the chance to go... just do it!”

BAD REVIEW: “Uncomfortable seat, shoulder to shoulder – no leg room – really, really uncomfortable (paid £119 each – do better!). Poor catering facilities. Great if you live in 1907 but a disgrace in 2016.”

Capacity: 51,711
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Opened: 2010

The bio: Sitting on the site of the old Lansdowne Road, the Aviva Stadium is a modern masterpiece. Its distinctive bowl shape and glass façade make it one of rugby’s most visually striking venues. However, some feel its sleek design sacrifices a bit of the traditional charm rugby fans adore.

GOOD REVIEW: “I went to see a game, and it was awesome. Beer is good, the crowd is fun, and the home team won! Easy to get here by train.”

BAD REVIEW: “Very disappointing for a modern stadium. Looks better from the outside.”

Capacity: 67,144
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Opened: 1925

The bio: Scotland’s rugby fortress is famed for its passionate crowd and pre-match traditions, including the iconic Flower of Scotland anthem. Its modernised facilities make it a fan favourite, though some have been less impressed with its external appearance and lack of permanent amenities.

GOOD REVIEW: “Fabulous stadium, great atmosphere, and reasonably good facilities.”

BAD REVIEW: “Dismal ground with purple highlights. No bars, restaurants, etc. – just pop-up garbage outside. Time to knock it down and start again.”

Capacity: 73,931
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Opened: 1999

The bio: Known for its iconic retractable roof, the Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) is a modern marvel with an atmosphere that’s second to none. Located in the heart of Cardiff, it’s the only Six Nations stadium where fans can walk straight from the pubs into the ground, adding to the electric matchday experience.

GOOD REVIEW: “Wales vs. Scotland 2016 Six Nations opener in Cardiff, 75,000 fans. Great singing and great rugby with great friends. Wonderful day made better by a Wales win.”

BAD REVIEW: “Took 40 minutes to get into the stadium in heavy rain. Security poorly organised and shambolic. Bars