Simon Easterby: ‘Nothing’ said about Easterby’s Wales link
Garry Ringrose said Simon Easterby is still “focusing on” his role as interim head coach in Ireland as he could be the next Welsh boss.
The 49-year-old directed two bonus wins, starting a campaign in six countries with regular head coach Andy Farrell with secondments to the British and Irish Lions.
But, he has always been Link to Wales jobs After confirming Warren Gatland’s departure on Wednesday.
The front and back rows are Scarlet player and head coach, still living in Wales, and Ireland played in Cardiff on February 22.
“I only heard one of the lads, but it certainly wasn’t the same thing,” said Lingross of the report’s interest.
“Simon is committed to doing everything we can to prepare and that is consistent with the actions of the players.”
Ireland’s head of athletic performance Aled Walters, who worked in Scarlet when he was a player in Easterby, believes that such “guessment” is inevitable.
“He is a good coach and there is always speculation in professional sports, it’s human nature,” Walters said.
“Welsh has changed, he lives there, he always connects.
“That’s the quality of a man. It’s ok to him and to the organization, and it’s ignorant of that.
“We just keep preparing for Wales.”
Walters, who joined the Irish staff last year, was impressed by Easterby’s role as assistant for more than a decade on tickets.
He added: “He really brought his own flavor. It’s great to see.”
“Even in the fall, he was a leader. It wasn’t like him sitting in the shadows and suddenly falling into the spotlight.
“It’s no different. He’s been there all the time.”
