Bernard Jackman would be 'shocked' if Wales land Simon Easterby

While many in Wales have called for their union to headhunt Simon Easterby to become their next head coach, Bernard Jackman says he would be "absolutely shocked" to see the Ireland interim boss leave the IRFU.

Wales are on the lookout for a new permanent head coach following the resignation of Warren Gatland yesterday. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take charge for the three remaining games of this Six Nations, starting with Ireland's visit to Cardiff on 22 March, however Sherratt has ruled himself out of contention for the permanent job.

Saturday’s defeat to Italy was a record 14th consecutive loss for Wales, with their last win coming against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

With the WRU now on the hunt for a new head coach, Ireland’s interim head coach Easterby has been mentioned given his Welsh connections.

The 49-year-old spent almost all of his career with the Scarlets from 1999 to 2010, while he was head coach in Llanelli from 2012 until 2014, when he joined Joe Schmidt’s backroom team as forwards coach.

The former Ireland international still lives in Wales, which is one of the main reasons why he’s been flagged as a popular candidate.

Normally defence coach for Ireland, Easterby is filling in as head coach on a temporary basis while Andy Farrell is away with the British and Irish Lions.

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And with how highly he’s valued in the Irish system, Jackman doesn’t expect his former international team-mate to be swayed by a job in Wales.

"I would be absolutely shocked if he