Emerging Ireland coaching team confirmed for South Africa tour as search for next Jack Crowley and Joe McCarthy begins

Adam Kyriacou 11 Jun 2024 1:55 PM

Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby will once again take on the Emerging Ireland head coach role for their upcoming three-game tour to South Africa in October.

The squad will fly to South Africa to play matches against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition, as they look to build on the success of the previous 2022 tour.

Easterby is set to be assisted by Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty and incoming Ireland backs coach Andrew Goodman.

Meet on September 25

The touring party will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on September 25, before leaving for Bloemfontein three days later, the IRFU has confirmed.

Emerging Ireland will face off with the Pumas in the opener on Wednesday, October 2 before going up against Super Rugby side the Western Force that Sunday.

The team will then finish the tour against defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9. All games will take place at Toyota Stadium.

The 2022 Emerging Ireland visit to South Africa saw the likes of Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy star and they have since made their senior debuts.

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Subsequently, Easterby has praised the importance of the Emerging Ireland trips and highlighted what the team will be looking to do on the tour to South Africa.

“We are delighted to confirm details of a second Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa later this year, the value of which cannot be understated,” he insisted.

“This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a National Team environment, work with the National Team coaches and access meaningful game time in a green jersey.

“Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level.”

Easterby added: “The 2022 Tour was of huge value, as evidenced by the cohort of players who have come through and been capped at Test level for Ireland since.

“It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches but that is part of the challenge for the whole group, building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey.”