Easterby wary of 'compromises' over Emerging Ireland

Simon Easterby says he's wary of the compromises that the four Irish provinces have had to make for his upcoming Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa.

The Ireland defence coach will assume head coaching responsibilities for the three-game tour of South Africa in the coming weeks, after naming a 35-man squad earlier today for the games against the Griquas, Pumas and Cheetahs between 30 September and 9 October.

The squad are due to meet for a mini-camp in Dublin on 23 September, before flying out to South Africa two days later, meaning they will miss three rounds of games in the BTK United Rugby Championship for their provinces.

The 35-man squad is split with 11 from Leinster, 10 from Munster, nine from Ulster and five from Connacht, although it's Ulster and Connacht who are likely to feel the pinch hardest.

Connacht will lose first team regulars Caolin Blade and Cian Prendergast, while Rob Baloucoune, Ethan McIlroy and Nathan Doak are among the Ulster contingent who will be absent for three league matches.

However, Easterby (below) says the squad was carefully selected so as not to impact one province too heavily.

"There's been dialogue right through with Andy and the provincial coaches in particular, discussing players, discussing their needs, our needs," he said.

"There have been compromises, there have been some selections that the province will feel are better suited with them, but there are also players who we feel are better suited - at this moment in time - exposing them to our environment.

"Looking at the bigger picture, the short to longer term is that this year presents itself with not just the three games in South Africa, but there's an Ireland A game against a New Zealand XV in the autumn, three Tests in the autumn,