Simon Easterby

Simon Easterby, born on July 21, 1975, in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England, is a prominent figure in rugby union, both as a former player and a coach. His journey from a young sports enthusiast to the interim head coach of the Irish national team is marked by dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the game.

Early Life and Education

Simon was born to an English father and an Irish mother, granting him Irish citizenship from birth. His mother, Katherine, hailed from Blackrock, south Dublin, and represented Ireland in hockey, instilling a strong sporting ethos in the family. His father, Henry, was a farmer with a lineage rooted in horse racing. Simon has an older brother, Guy Easterby, who also achieved international recognition playing for Ireland.

The Easterby family’s summers were often spent in Ireland, fostering a deep connection to the country. Simon’s formative education took place at Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire, a prestigious Catholic boarding school renowned for its exceptional sports facilities. Reflecting on his time there, Simon noted, “For someone who enjoyed sport it was fantastic. The facilities were far and beyond anything we had experienced. It had 20-odd rugby pitches; six or seven cricket pitches; it had indoor training facilities. Everything you could imagine for a top school and we benefited from that.”

At Ampleforth, Simon was a member of St. Hugh’s House and actively participated in various sports, with a particular affinity for cricket and rugby. His passion for rugby deepened during these years, setting the foundation for his future career.

Personal Life and Family

Simon is married to Sarra Elgan Rees, a television presenter and the daughter of former rugby union player Elgan Rees, who represented Neath RFC, Wales, and the British & Irish Lions. Sarra is a fluent Welsh speaker and has made a name for herself in the broadcasting world. The couple has two children: a daughter named Soffia, born in 2007, and a son named Ffredi, born in 2009.

The Easterby family maintains a relatively private life, balancing their professional commitments with family time. Their shared involvement in rugby and media has been a unifying aspect of their relationship.

Detailed Bio Table

Rugby Career

Club Career

Simon’s professional rugby journey began with Leeds Tykes in 1998, where he made 27 appearances and scored 40 points. In 1999, he transferred to Llanelli RFC, marking the start of a significant chapter in his career.

He captained the Scarlets for five consecutive seasons, participating in over 50 European matches and amassing a total of 201 games (scoring 19 tries) for Llanelli and the Scarlets. His leadership and performance on the field were instrumental in establishing the Scarlets as a formidable team during his tenure. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced him to retire in August 2010 at the age of 35.

International Career

Despite being born in England, Simon chose to represent Ireland on the international stage. He made his debut in the 2000 Six Nations Championship with a victory over Scotland at Lansdowne Road. He quickly became a regular in the team, known for his consistent performances and tactical acumen. In 2005, following injuries to key players, he was named captain for the Autumn Series, showcasing his leadership abilities. Over his international career, Simon earned 65 caps and scored 40 points. He retired from international rugby in 2008 to focus on his club career.

In 2005, Simon was called up to the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand after Lawrence Dallaglio’s injury. He was selected for two Test matches and scored a try in the second Test in Wellington, highlighting his prowess on the international stage.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Simon seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began as the Scarlets’ defense coach in 2010 and was promoted to head coach in June 2012. Under his guidance, the team continued to perform competitively. In July 2014, Simon joined the Irish national team as the forwards coach, replacing John Plumtree. His coaching philosophy, deeply rooted in his playing style, emphasizes resilience, tactical intelligence, and a hands-on approach. Former teammates recall his tendency to actively participate in training drills, demonstrating techniques and instilling a culture of commitment and intensity.

In 2021, Simon transitioned to the role of defense coach for the Irish national team. His comprehensive understanding of the game and ability to mentor players have been pivotal in enhancing the team’s defensive strategies. In December 2024, he assumed the position of interim head coach for the Irish national team, leading them to a 27–22 victory against England in the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations. Reflecting on the match, Simon acknowledged the positives but emphasized the need to address certain lapses as the tournament progresses.

Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Simon Easterby has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a profound understanding of rugby. His journey from a young athlete in Yorkshire to the helm of Irish rugby underscores his significant contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy.

Latest News

In February 2025, Simon Easterby, serving as Ireland’s interim head coach, led the team to a 27–22 victory against England in the opening round of the Six Nations. He acknowledged the positives from the performance but emphasized the need to address certain lapses as the tournament progresses.

Physical Appearance

Standing at 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches) and weighing 100 kilograms (15 stone 10 pounds), Simon Easterby possesses an athletic build characteristic of a professional rugby flanker. His stature and physicality were significant assets during his playing career, contributing to his effectiveness on the field.

Social Media Accounts

As of now, Simon Easterby does not maintain public social media profiles.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Simon Easterby’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This valuation accounts for his earnings as a professional rugby player, coaching roles, and related endeavors within the sport.

Simon Easterby’s enduring commitment to rugby, both on and off the field, underscores his significant impact on the sport, particularly within Irish rugby circles.