Johnny Sexton rejoins Ireland for the 2025 Six Nations
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Simon Easterby, the former Ireland flanker turned interim head coach, isn't holding back on Ireland's lofty goals.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
With Andy Farrell off on Lions duty, Easterby has taken the reins and has his sights firmly set on guiding Ireland to an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title.
Yesterday, he took centre stage at the tournament launch in Rome, making it crystal clear that Ireland's hunger for silverware is as strong as ever.
Sexton's second act: From No 10 to mentor-in-chief
Johnny Sexton may have hung up his boots after the 2023 World Cup, but don't think for a second he's fading into the background. The iconic former fly-half has transitioned into a new role as a part-time kicking coach and mentor for Ireland's current crop of playmakers.
Having been a pivotal figure in November's set-up, Sexton is back to impart his wisdom – juggling this with his day job as chief of staff at the Ardagh Group.
"He's all-in": Easterby on Sexton's influence
Easterby couldn't hide his admiration for the impact Sexton has already made in his post-playing career. "Johnny's the same as in the autumn," he said. "It was brilliant to have him around. The players loved having him back in camp – his enthusiasm, his competitiveness, and his mentoring of those 10s in particular."
The former No 10's encyclopaedic knowledge of the game has proven invaluable. Easterby added, "He's got so much experience that it would be crazy for us not to tap into that. He'll be with us whenever work allows, and when he's in, he's all-in."
The coach on the pitch
Sexton's presence is more than just motivational; it's tactical gold. "He was almost another coach on the pitch as a player," Easterby said. "Having him continue that role in a more official capacity is fantastic for the team. He brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of insight that both players and coaches are benefitting from."
Ireland's title ambitions: All systems go
As the Six Nations looms, Ireland is a team brimming with belief and momentum. With Easterby at the helm and Sexton lending his expertise, the road to a historic three-peat looks full of promise. Whether they can pull it off remains to be seen, but one thing's certain: this Irish side won't settle for anything less than greatness.
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Six Nations stadium rankings: Every ground ranked from worst to best
The Six Nations is as much about iconic stadiums as it is about world-class rugby. These venues are steeped in history, buzzing with atmosphere, and uniquely tied to their host nations. But which one truly reigns supreme?
We turned to TripAdvisor for the cold, hard verdict, pairing unbiased ratings with a bit of stadium backstory to give you the ultimate ranking. Here's everything you need to know about the Six Nations' homes – plus, cast your vote for your favourite at the end!
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6. Stadio Olimpico (Italy) – 4.09
Capacity: 70,634
Location: Rome, Italy
Opened: 1953
The bio: Italy's national stadium wasn't originally designed for rugby – its primary purpose was athletics and football. But since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, the Stadio Olimpico has been its home, offering fans the chance to watch rugby under the shadow of Rome's stunning architecture. Despite its historic charm, the stadium's track and distance from the pitch have drawn criticism for hindering the atmosphere.
GOOD REVIEW: "Came here for the rugby, my first international game and I was not disappointed. Lovely stadium, lots of entertainment outside and inside the stadium, not ripped off for food and drinks, everyone was friendly, and the atmosphere was electrifying."
BAD REVIEW: "It’s unbelievable that this is the main stadium in Rome. It’s old, dirty, and uncomfortable, and even 3rd division clubs in the UK have better facilities."
5. Stade de France (France) – 4.24
Capacity: 81,338
Location: Saint-Denis, Paris, France
Opened: 1998
The bio: Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and hosts both football and rugby. Known for its impressive size and acoustics, it's an intimidating fortress when Les Bleus are on form. However, some fans feel the sheer size of the stadium and hostile atmosphere for visiting supporters detract from its charm.
GOOD REVIEW: "I'm an American, and some of the reviews for this stadium, in my opinion, do not do it justice. It is as good as some of the best US sports stadiums. I thought it was great."
BAD REVIEW: "This venue is not suitable for visiting fans. The atmosphere is hostile to say the least and therefore particularly unsuitable for families."
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