Ireland set to tour Georgia and Romania during 2025 Lions tour
Ireland's defence coach Simon Easterby is expected to take charge against Georgia and Romania
Ireland plan to go on tour to Georgia and Romania while the Lions are in Australia next year.
David Humphreys said the tour details have not been finalised, but it’s expected the squad will be led by Simon Easterby, who is the favourite to fill in for Andy Farrell when he’s on sabbatical with the touring side.
Ireland have never played a Test match in Georgia, although a number of Irish coaches, including David Humphreys, have been involved with the Lelos in recent years.
They were last in Romania in 2001, playing a Test in Bucharest, and most recently played the Oaks at last year’s World Cup.
While it is anticipated a large contingent of Irish players will be away with Farrell and the Lions, the IRFU see the tour as an opportunity for the next tier of talent.
“At this stage, the fixture list is for Georgia and Romania. It’s still to be confirmed exactly how it’ll look, but we’re very keen to, from a touring point of view, get an opportunity for those players who aren’t [with the Lions],” IRFU performance director Humphreys said.
“It’s a really good opportunity for some of our senior coaches to work with those players. It’d be a good place to go for anybody. They very much have big hopes in terms of where they want to take the game there. For those young players to experience that physical game is a real benefit.”
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