Paul O'Connell steps up as Ireland coach for summer tour

The IRFU rubber-stamped the elevation of O'Connell following Simon Easterby’s appointment as assistant Lions coach

Ireland Forwards Coach Paul O'Connell at the IRFU High Performance Centre, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Paul O’Connell has been confirmed as Ireland’s new interim head coach for this summer’s end of season tour Tests in Georgia and Portugal.

The IRFU rubber-stamped the elevation of its former captain and current forwards coach following Simon Easterby’s appointment as one of three Ireland assistant coaches to Andy Farrell’s coaching ticket for this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.