IRFU refuses to comment on Easterby Lions link

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has refused to comment on reports linking Ireland's interim coach Simon Easterby with a role as part of Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions coaching ticket for this summer's tour of Australia.

A report in the Daily Telegraph said that Farrell, who is on a sabbatical from his Ireland head coach role as he plans for the Lions tour, was set to appoint Easterby to his coaching team.

Easterby has been expected to lead Ireland's summer tour of Georgia and Portugal.

When contacted about the report on Monday morning, an IRFU spokesman replied: "At this point, we have no comment to make".

Farrell is expected to confirm the composition of his Lions coaching team later this month.

Speaking before the Lions link emerged, Easterby said he was "committed" to Ireland and "pretty happy where I am" after rumours of succeeding Warren Gatland as Wales coach swirled earlier in the championship.