Paul O’Connell is set to assume the role of Ireland interim head coach for the summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal in the likely event of Simon Easterby becoming part of the British & Irish Lions coaching ticket for their upcoming tour. Easterby was Ireland’s interim head coach for the Six Nations while Farrell was on a sabbatical due to his role as Lions head coach. It now seems highly likely that O’Connell – a three-time Lions’ tourist who captained the squad on their 2009 tour to South Africa – will take over as Ireland interim head coach for the games against Georgia in Tbilisi and Portugal in Lisbon. There has also been speculation linking Johnny Sexton with a role on the Lions’ coaching ticket. The fixture between Ireland and Portugal was confirmed by the Federação Portuguesa de Rugby last October.

Source: The Irish Times March 23, 2025 17:15 UTC