Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has joined Andy Farrell’s Ireland coaching staff as forwards coach.
The addition of the 108 times capped O’Connell, who captained Ireland to the 2014 Six nations title see’s Simon Easterby focus on defence.
"Paul brings a wealth of rugby knowledge with him and as forwards coach he will have responsibility for the forwards including the line-out working alongside John (Fogarty)” explained Ireland head coach Andy Farrell.
“He will also be another strong voice and leader within the group.”
“Simon (Easterby) has a real passion for defence and having developed Ireland’s forward play over the past six years with the additional responsibility for the defence over the past 12 months, he will now be able to focus his energy and rugby intellect on this area of our game.”
“The weekend’s Interpro games and the European fixtures in the weeks ahead will give players the opportunity to push for selection for the Six Nations squad. The squad will not be selected until after the Champions Cup Round 4 fixtures have been completed" added Farrell.
"I am really looking forward to working with Andy and the rest of the coaching group” declared O’Connell.
“I worked with Simon as a player and am looking forward to working with him again. It’s an exciting young group of players to be involved with and there are talented forwards coming through across the four provinces that will no doubt be pushing for international selection in the coming months and years."
Since retiring from playing in 2015, O’Connell has held coaching positions with the Munster Academy, Ireland U20s and Top 14 side Stade Francais.
