The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed that former Ireland captain and current forwards coach Paul O’Connell will take over as interim head coach for the upcoming summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal.
O’Connell’s appointment follows the announcement that current interim head coach Simon Easterby, along with scrum coach John Fogarty and attack coach Andrew Goodman, will be part of Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions coaching team for their summer tour of Australia.
“Simon’s appointment means that an opportunity arises for a new interim head coach for the two-match summer tour to Georgia and Portugal, and I’m delighted that Paul O’Connell will assume the role,” IRFU performance director David Humphreys said in a statement.
The remaining members of Ireland’s coaching staff for the tour, which includes a match against Georgia on 5 July and Portugal on 12 July, are set to be announced next week.
Humphreys also extended his congratulations to Easterby, Fogarty, and Goodman on their selection for the Lions, calling it a testament to their expertise and standing in the game.
“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 to Australia,” Humphreys stated. “It is a huge statement of faith in their skill sets and their standing within the wider game, and I have no doubt that they will contribute greatly to a successful Lions tour.”
He also acknowledged the earlier confirmations of Vinny Hammond and Aled Walters as part of the Lions’ backroom team, adding that their involvement continues a proud tradition of Irish coaches making significant contributions to the prestigious touring side.
“To head coach Andy Farrell and to all those players who will hopefully be selected in a few weeks, we wish them all the very best of luck,” Humphreys said.
O’Connell, a legendary figure in Irish rugby, brings a wealth of experience to the interim role, having served as Ireland’s forwards coach since 2021. His leadership during this transition period will be closely watched as Ireland looks to maintain its momentum on the international stage.
