Simon Easterby, the newly appointed head coach of the Ireland rugby team, is gearing up for his debut match in charge as interim coach. As Andy Farrell shifts his focus to the British & Irish Lions tour, Easterby steps in to lead Ireland in the Six Nations competition. This weekend, Ireland will face England in Dublin, aiming for a third consecutive title victory.
Easterby, a former Scarlets captain, has strong ties to Wales, having spent much of his playing career there. Starting with Leeds Tykes before moving to Llanelli in 1999, he captained the Scarlets for five seasons, accumulating over 200 games and 19 tries. His successful playing career included 65 caps for Ireland and two appearances for the Lions in 2005. Following retirement, Easterby transitioned to coaching, eventually joining the Irish national team.
Despite his allegiance to Ireland now, a unique situation arises in Easterby’s household. His wife, Sarra Elgan, a prominent TV presenter, adds a Welsh connection to their family. Elgan, known for her work with S4C, TNT Sports, Sky Sports, ESPN, and the BBC, hails from a rugby background as the daughter of the former rugby player Elgan Rees. The couple, who will celebrate 20 years of marriage this year, share a daughter named Soffia and a son named Ffredi.
The couple’s son, Ffredi, is showing early promise as a talented rugby player, captaining his school team to victory at the Principality Stadium. Easterby, actively involved in supporting his son’s rugby pursuits, notably served as the water carrier during these significant matches. Ffredi’s success on the field hints at a potential future in professional rugby, with both Wales and Ireland monitoring his development closely.
Easterby’s coaching abilities extend beyond the field, as evidenced by a memorable on-screen encounter with his wife during last year’s Six Nations. Elgan, interviewing her husband post-match, humorously admitted her unease at interviewing him. The couple’s dynamic offers a glimpse into their shared passion for rugby, with Elgan’s broadcasting expertise blending seamlessly with Easterby’s coaching insights.
As Easterby navigates his coaching responsibilities with Ireland, the family’s Welsh roots and love for rugby add an intriguing layer to his professional journey. The convergence of Welsh and Irish influences in Easterby’s personal and professional life creates a compelling narrative, bridging two rugby-loving nations through a shared familial bond. With Easterby at the helm, Ireland’s Six Nations campaign holds not just sporting significance but also a tale of family ties and sporting legacy.