Paul O'Connell confirms Ireland coaching team for summer Tests

Paul O'Connell has been appointed as the interim head coach for Ireland's summer Test matches against Georgia and Portugal, with a coaching team comprising former Munster colleagues Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy, as well as Connacht's Colm Tucker. This decision follows Andy Farrell's selection of Simon Easterby for the British & Irish Lions coaching staff, prompting O'Connell to step up from his role as forwards coach. O'Connell expressed his honor in taking on this position and highlighted the importance of these matches for assessing the squad's competition levels. The Tests are scheduled to take place on July 5 in Tbilisi and July 12 in Lisbon. Irish Rugby Football Union performance director David Humphreys noted that this appointment marks a significant step in O'Connell's coaching career and ensures continuity within the coaching team. The squad for these matches is expected to be announced in mid-June.