Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby believes his side will embrace expectation as they seek an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title.

Easterby and Caelan Doris flew from Rome to Lisbon after the Six Nations launch, from where they drove to Quinta do Lago. As in November, Johnny Sexton will again be in and out of the squad, pending work commitments, in his background role as a mentor to the Irish outhalves.

Ireland interim coach Simon Easterby is ready to use his years of experience working with the side to take the country to a third successive Six Nations Championship success, and knows the team will need to improve to stay on top.

With Andy Farrell stepping back from the head coach role for eight months to concentrate on a similar role with the British & Irish Lions ahead of their summer tour to Australia, defence coach Easterby has been tasked with leading Ireland in their bid for a historic third title in a row.

Assuming the role of head coach on an interim basis in place of Andy Farrell, Easterby cut a relaxed figure among coaches more experienced at this annual event – Warren Gatland is heading into his 17th Championship and even Gonzalo Quesada had done his first last year.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby says that his team are more motivated by improving, rather than worrying about the strength of the chasing pack as they seek another successful Six Nations championship.

A photo shoot in the Colosseum followed by a flex from the champions, Ireland went into gladiatorial mode as the 2025 Guinness Six Nations was launched in the Italian capital on Tuesday. Simon Easterby may be the interim Ireland head coach but as the man handed the reins in the temporary absence of the British & Irish Lions-bound Andy Farrell,