The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history
The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history
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As current Six Nations champions Ireland prepare for England this weekend, Michael Cooke analyses how interim boss Simon Easterby can retain momentum to pull off a historic third successive Six Nations crown. As Ireland prepares for the 2025 Six Nations Championship, the air is thick with anticipation. Simon Easterby’s team, having already secured back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 under the guidance of Andy Farrell, are on the cusp of making history, aiming for their third consecutive championship – a feat that would place them alongside some of rugby’s most successful teams.
![[Ireland head coach Simon Easterby (L) and England head coach Steve Borthwick]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/18/45/SEI236797274.jpg)
It will be an achievement made more impressive given the challenges such as significant absences in Farrell, Tadhg Furlong for the opener against England, and a squad with new faces that are determined to cement their place on the international stage.
![[Captain Caelan Doris of Ireland holds the trophy at the Guinness Six Nations 2025 launch at Spazio Field]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/18/23/GettyImages-2195052238.jpg)
A Championship on the Line. Claiming a third successive Six Nations title would cement Ireland’s place in the history books. No team has ever achieved more than two back-to-back championships, and for a country that has been plagued with World Cup disappointment in recent years, this would be an immense boost. Ireland have grown into a force in world rugby under Head coach Farrell, whose tactical acumen and leadership have been key to the team’s success. Farrell’s influence has been obvious to supporters, where his philosophy of dynamic, high-pressure rugby has clearly transformed Ireland into a Six Nations powerhouse.
![[Ireland head coach Simon Easterby (L) and England head coach Steve Borthwick]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/18/06/SEI236800997.jpg)
This year, though, without Farrell at the helm due to his sabbatical leave in preparation for the British and Irish Lions tour, the team will have to navigate the tournament without his steadying presence. Taking the reins is former Irish defence coach Simon Easterby, who takes on the role of interim head coach. Whilst being a blow for the squad, which has grown accustomed to the leadership and the structure Farrell has implemented over the past few years, Easterby is one of his most trusted and knowledgeable assistant coaches, having proved his worth in previous tournaments, and has no doubt been given the full trust and support of Farrell.
