Statement: Legend Paul O'Connell named Ireland head coach
03/26/2025 01:04 PM
Ireland legend Paul O'Connell will take the reins as interim head coach for Ireland's Summer Tour matches against Georgia and Portugal, after Simon Easterby and several members of the Ireland backroom team were confirmed as part of the British & Irish Lions coaching setup.
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Earlier today, Easterby, scrum coach John Fogarty, and attack coach Andrew Goodman were unveiled as part of Warren Gatland's coaching ticket for the upcoming Lions tour of Australia.
Humphreys Confirms O'Connell Appointment
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys expressed his pride in the trio's selection but confirmed that it leaves a void in Ireland's setup this summer.
"Simon's appointment means that an opportunity arises for a new interim Head Coach for the two-match summer tour to Georgia (5th July) and Portugal (12th July), and Paul O'Connell will assume the role for this tour. Details around the remainder of the Ireland coaching team will be announced next week," said Humphreys.
A Big Step for the Coaching Trio
Humphreys praised the appointments, highlighting their significance:
"On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to congratulate Simon, John, and Andrew on their respective selections for the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour. It is a huge statement of faith in their skill-sets and standing within the wider game, and I have no doubt they will contribute greatly to a successful Lions tour."
Humphreys also noted that this is a career-defining moment for the coaches, as well as for Vinny Hammond and Aled Walters, who were confirmed earlier this year as part of the Lions' performance team.
O'Connell's Time to Shine
O'Connell, a key figure in Ireland's coaching team, now has a chance to step into the spotlight as head coach for the first time, adding another chapter to his illustrious rugby career.
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With just over a month until the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad is revealed, the odds are showing which players are most likely to earn a spot on the prestigious tour.
Back-Three: Speed, Power, and Flair
The back-three options for the Lions are packed with dynamic talent. From powerful wingers to dependable fullbacks, the competition is fierce.
Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe is practically a lock, with odds of 1/16, while Ireland's James Lowe and Hugo Keenan also look set to make the squad. With plenty of flair and power in this group, it's going to be a tough decision for the selectors.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Mack Hansen (Ireland) – 2/1
Centre: Physicality Meets Creativity
In the centres, the Lions have a wealth of players who can bring both physicality and creativity. Ireland's Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw top the list, with Aki's odds sitting comfortably at 1/5. Scotland's Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu are also in strong contention, bringing versatility and power to the midfield.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
Fly-Halves: The Masterminds of Attack
Fly-half is one of the most critical positions for any team, and the Lions have three top-class contenders. Scotland's Finn Russell leads the way with odds of 1/10, while England's Fin Smith and Ireland's Sam Prendergast are hot on his heels.
Russell's vision and flair will make him a key playmaker, but Smith and Prendergast bring youthful energy and composure to the table.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
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