The coaching team for the upcoming tour of South Africa for the Emerging Ireland squad has been officially confirmed, with the primary objective of identifying and nurturing the next generation of talented players who have the potential to emulate the success of previous stars such as Jack Crowley and Joe McCarthy.
The tour, scheduled for October, will consist of three challenging matches against formidable Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition. Simon Easterby, the current defence coach for Ireland, is set to resume his role as head coach of the Emerging Ireland team. He will be supported by a strong team including Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty, and the incoming Ireland backs coach Andrew Goodman.
The squad is expected to convene at the IRFU High Performance Centre on September 25, before departing for South Africa three days later. The matches will be held in Bloemfontein, with the team facing the Pumas in the opening game on October 2. This will be followed by a match against the Western Force on October 6, and a final showdown against the defending Currie Cup champions, the Cheetahs, on October 9, all at Toyota Stadium.
Easterby stressed the significance of the tour, highlighting the valuable opportunity it provides for players to gain experience in a National Team environment, work with National Team coaches, and demonstrate their abilities in a competitive setting.
He emphasized, “It is crucial that we continue to expand our selection pool and ensure that young players are afforded every opportunity to further develop and understand what it takes to perform for Ireland at the highest level.”
The 2022 Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa has proven to be immensely valuable, with players such as Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash, and Joe McCarthy progressing to make their senior debuts for Ireland since then. Despite the challenges posed by a short preparation window and facing tough opponents, Easterby remains optimistic about the potential for similar success from the upcoming tour.
The tour is part of a wider effort to identify and nurture emerging talent in Irish rugby, with a focus on future success and sustainability at the international level. The coaching team is committed to fostering strong connections among the players and preparing them to meet the demands of representing Ireland with pride and skill.
In conclusion, the Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa presents an exciting opportunity for both the coaching staff and the talented players to showcase their abilities on the international stage. As the search for the next generation of Irish rugby stars begins, the tour is positioned to be a critical stepping stone in the development of young talent and the future success of Irish rugby.