Ireland appoint Paul O'Connell as head coach following Simon Easterby exit

He is now the third head coach Ireland have had since November, with both Farrell and Easterby previously leading them through the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations respectively.

O'Connell is a bona fide Ireland legend after an outstanding playing career in the green jersey. Across his Test career, the Munsterman won 108 caps and helped them win three Six Nations titles. He also went on three Lions tours.

His coaching career began with the Munster academy before quickly moving to the Ireland U20s set-up in 2017. He also had a brief stint with Top 14 outfit Stade Francais before joining Farrell's Ireland staff in 2021 as forwards coach.

Commenting on the news, IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: "Simon's appointment means that an opportunity arises for a new interim Head Coach for the two-match summer tour to Georgia (5th July) and Portugal (12th July), and Paul O'Connell will assume the role for this tour. Details around the remainder of the Ireland coaching team will be announced next week."

Humphreys also took time to recognise the three assistants who had been drafted into Farrell's coaching staff for the upcoming tour of Australia.

"On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to congratulate Simon (Easterby), John (Fogarty) and Andrew (Goodman) on their respective selections for the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia," he said.

"It is a huge statement of faith in their skill-sets and standing within the wider game, and I have no doubt that they will contribute greatly to a successful Lions tour.

"Their appointments mark significant milestones in their coaching careers, as it will for Vinny Hammond and Aled Walters, who were previously confirmed earlier this year. They will proudly follow in the footsteps of a long list of Irish coaches who have represented Ireland previously with the Lions coaching and management teams.

"To Head Coach Andy Farrell and to all those players who will hopefully be selected in a few weeks, we wish them all the very best of luck."

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