Six Nations: Ireland can ‘thrive’ under pressure of championship defence says interim head coach Simon Easterby
The championship game will be Easterby’s first as a head coach since leaving the Scarlets in 2014.
While Farrell will return to duty after the Lions Test series against the Wallabies, the former flanker is looking forward to his time on the coaching books.
“I’m really excited,” he said.
“I’ve been involved in this for a while. I’ve been involved with this team for 10 or 11 years.
“When the opportunity came up for me, when the opportunity came up for Fawzy to coach the Lions, I spoke to Irish management about it and I was delighted to take it. I’m really lucky to have the opportunity.”
Farrell still featured in Ireland’s November internationals, when the team won three of four Tests, and Easterby said the pair have kept in touch since.
“We chat a lot,” he added.
“He has other things to think about at the moment but we speak regularly.
“He’s always on the other end of the phone if we need him. I talked about it before I came in and I’m sure we’ll talk over the next few months.”
