Ireland's defence coach, Simon Easterby, expresses his ambition for the team to achieve something truly exceptional in the upcoming Six Nations. He highlights the team's recent successes and emphasizes their potential for greatness. Easterby outlines strategic changes, including the integration of provincial coaches and the selection of a dedicated 'A' team squad. He also acknowledges key players' returns and the continued mentorship of Johnny Sexton.
Simon Easterby, Ireland 's defence coach, expressed his ambition for the team to achieve something truly exceptional in the upcoming Six Nations. He acknowledged the team's recent successes, including their Grand Slam victory, series win in New Zealand, and drawn series in South Africa, highlighting their potential to reach new heights. Easterby emphasized that the players are driven and motivated to continue their upward trajectory, aiming for something truly special.
However, he cautioned against looking too far ahead and stressed the importance of focusing on each match individually. To ensure optimal preparation for the Six Nations, Easterby will implement a few strategic changes. In a significant shift, coaches from the Irish provinces will be integrated into the national team's setup in the lead-up to the England-Ireland 'A' game. A 26-man squad for this 'A' game will be announced during the week of the second round of Six Nations matches, when Ireland faces Scotland. This squad is likely to be drawn from the senior 36-man squad, which will convene for a week-long training camp in the Algarve.Several key players are expected to rejoin the national team shortly. Dan Sheehan will join after playing for Leinster against the Sharks, while James Lowe and Jack Boyle are scheduled to return after their respective injury comebacks. Notably, Easterby praised the playing style and intent of Leinster, emphasizing the province's recent 47-21 victory over Bath as an example of their attacking prowess. He also acknowledged the influence of new Leinster head coach, Stuart Lancaster, while reassuring that the province's approach remains aligned with the national team's goals. To further foster continuity and ensure a cohesive approach, Easterby highlighted the reduced time spent away from each other by the national team and provincial coaches. The role of veteran outhalf Johnny Sexton will continue to be vital, albeit in a mentor capacity. Sexton, who is balancing his rugby commitments with work obligations, will provide valuable insights and guidance to the young Irish outhalves during the Six Nations. Easterby expressed his satisfaction with Sexton's continued involvement, emphasizing the positive impact he has on both players and coaches.
RUGBY IRELAND SIX NATIONS SIMON EASTERBY COACHES PLAYER RETURNS JOHNNY SEXTON
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