Andy Farrell's Ireland replacement is former British & Irish Lion with famous wife

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Simon Easterby is set to step into the head coach role for Ireland, succeeding Andy Farrell, who will lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour to Australia.

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Easterby, currently Ireland's defence coach, will officially take over on December 1, guiding the team through the 2025 Guinness Six Nations and a summer tour with yet-to-be-announced opponents.

It's a crucial moment for Easterby as he takes the reins in Farrell's absence, tasked with maintaining Ireland's momentum.

Easterby's rugby career reached a significant milestone when he was called up to the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand. After Lawrence Dallaglio was injured, Easterby seized his chance, earning two Test caps and scoring a memorable try in the second Test in Wellington.

Before his Lions success, Easterby had already made his mark with Ireland, earning 66 caps and playing a key role in the team's rise in the 2000s, contributing to Six Nations and World Cup campaigns.

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"To be asked to lead the Ireland team is a huge honour and one that I am thrilled to accept," the 49-year-old told the Irish Rugby Football Union website.

"It is the highest achievement of my coaching career to date and I'm looking forward to working with the talented backroom team and players while Andy is away with the British and Irish Lions."

Easterby joined the Ireland coaching team in 2014 and will next month manage the Emerging Ireland squad's tour of South Africa, having previously performed that role in 2022.

"I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the men's national team journey over the last 10 years and I believe that there are even brighter days ahead as we build towards a huge few months," he continued.

"There's a lot to play for before December and we're looking forward to providing the next crop of future Irish players with a chance to impress against talented international opponents in South Africa and then across the four Autumn Nations Series matches at Aviva Stadium."

Who Is Sarra Elgan?

Backing Simon Easterby every step of the way is his wife, Sarra Elgan, a well-known sports presenter in her own right. Sarra, 44, hails from Neath in Wales and has rugby in her blood, being the daughter of former Wales and British Lions rugby player Elgan Rees and Kathryn Rees.

Sarra has made her mark on the broadcasting world, starting her punditry career in 2007. Over the years, she has worked for major sports networks, including ESPN, TNT Sport, and Sky Sports, where she covered the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.

Proud of Her Identity

Sarra is unapologetically herself on and off the screen. Known for her glamorous appearance, she embraces her love for beauty while passionately advocating for her love of rugby. “Yes, I’m blonde, yes I love fake tan, yes I love make-up.

“But it doesn’t take away from the fact that I love rugby and I know rugby,” she shared in an interview.

She added: “Everyone has to be themselves. You shouldn’t have to change the way you are to conform. That’s always been really important to me.”

Family Life

Simon and Sarra Easterby are proud parents of two children. Their daughter, Soffia, born in 2007, is a talented hockey player, while their son, Ffredi, born in 2009, is already following in his father's rugby footsteps.

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Rugby’s Five Richest Couples:

5. Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby's wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin's Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny's rugby career.

4. Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis' marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa's most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

3. Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

2. Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.

1. Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.

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