Lions-bound Farrell will 'leave us to crack on with it'

Simon Easterby says he expects Andy Farrell to "leave us to crack on with it" when he takes a sabbatical to become the British and Irish Lions head coach.

Easterby will become Ireland's head coach while Farrell takes charge of the Lions tour of Australia.

Farrell will switch his focus to the Lions following Ireland's autumn internationals, and Easterby will step up from defence coach to the top job for the Six Nations and a summer tour.

Prior to that, Easterby will also lead an Emerging Ireland side on a tour of South Africa in October.

"I'm sure he'll be there on the end of the phone if needed but as far as we're concerned he is stepping away completely," said Easterby on Farrell's involvement during his sabbatical.

"He's leaving us to crack on and get on with it.

"He's been fully involved in the progression and the continuity, and he will be right through to the end of November.

"After that his focus has to switch to a massive year for him as he prepares for the Lions tour in Australia."

Easterby has been a part of Ireland's coaching team since 2014 when he left the Scarlets to come on board as Schmidt's forwards coach.

He became defence coach in 2021 when Farrell stepped up to the head coach role following Schmidt's departure.

The 49-year-old former Ireland flanker says it means "a huge amount" to become head coach, even if it is on a temporary basis in what is "such an important year".

He added that brief conversations had taken place about the possibility of adding to or adjusting roles on Ireland's coaching ticket while Farrell is with the Lions, but the main focus is on November's fixtures with New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

Easterby added that the quality of Ireland's coaching team and backroom set-up make it "so much easier for the head coach to go on and do his job".

"Faz [Farrell] has put a brilliant team together," Easterby added.

"That will continue without him, but I'm really fortunate with the people we get to work with.

Easterby added that it was "exciting times" as Ireland juggle building upon their recent success and developing for the next World Cup, which will take place in Australia in 2027.

He added that there is "one eye" on the World Cup as both players and coaches look to progress.

"I wouldn't say it is transformational but it's something, where Faz is going away and there's a chance for others to step up, me included, and some others in the group will do some different roles.

"I'd like to think what has been built already will keep growing and we will keep building on that.

"We will allow that continuity to happen to give players the best opportunity to perform in a green jersey, and hopefully they go on for success elsewhere.

"We have a group of players who will be hungry and keen to keep winning and be successful as a playing group, but also with one eye on what is coming down the line that summer."