Easterby denies Wales link, focuses on Ireland

Simon Easterby, the interim head coach of Ireland, has addressed speculation linking him to the vacant head coach position for the Welsh rugby team, following Warren Gatland's departure after Wales' 14th consecutive defeat. While he acknowledged the interest due to his ties to Wales, where he lives and previously coached, Easterby emphasized his commitment to Ireland, stating that he has had no contact with the Welsh Rugby Union. He described his current role with Ireland as a 'dream job' and focused on preparing the team for their upcoming match against Wales in the Guinness Six Nations. Easterby has made several changes to the team lineup for this significant clash, including naming Dan Sheehan as captain. He reiterated that speculation about his future is beyond his control and remains dedicated to his current responsibilities. Despite the chatter, he did not completely rule out the prospect of coaching Wales in the future, maintaining a diplomatic stance on the matter.