Easterby impresses Heaslip

Jamie Heaslip revealed yesterday new Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby has already made a hugely positive impression on Joe Schmidt’s squad as they face in to a crucial 12 months prior to the next World Cup.

Easterby, who is still involved for now with a Scerlets side that takes on Heaslip’s Leinster at the RDS tomorrow in the Guinness Pro12, was present when the squad met up for a pre-season camp last month.

Heaslip was already well acquainted with Easterby. The pair played three times for Ireland together under Eddie O’Sullivan while the current Leinster skipper replaced the elder man on another occasion, against Italy in the 2008 Six Nations.