Simon Easterby named Ireland forwards coach

Simon Easterby has been confirmed as the new Ireland forwards coach by the IRFU.

The former Ireland flanker joins from Scarlets, having been head coach with the Welsh region since 2012. He replaces John Plumtree who left Joe Schmidt's coaching ticket in June to return to New Zealand.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved in Irish rugby and I am looking forward to helping the team continue to be as competitive as possible,” said Easterby, a former Ireland captain, today.

Head coach Joe Schmidt added: "Simon has tremendous test match experience combined with an in-depth knowledge of the current national squad players. He is well known to Irish rugby supporters and to many of the players and his knowledge and experience will help drive the team forward."

Easterby, who played 65 times for Ireland between 2000 and 2008 and toured with the Lions in 2005, will join the Irish set-up at the start of October.