'I love what I do here': Easterby distances himself from Wales link but stops short of denying interest 

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby. Pic: Tom Maher/Inpho

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby has distanced himself from speculation linking him as Warren Gatland’s successor at Wales but did not issue a flat denial of his interest in the vacancy.

Ireland travel to Cardiff on Thursday ahead of their Guinness Six Nations clash with a Welsh side under new temporary management following Gatland’s exit after a dismal run of 14 successive Test defeats.