Interim head coach Simon Easterby believes the availability of Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Jack Conan and Jimmy O’Brien “massively increases” Ireland’s competitiveness ahead of their latest Guinness Six Nations title defence.
Easterby is bidding to lead Ireland to an unprecedented third consecutive championship triumph after Andy Farrell temporarily stepped aside to focus on the British and Irish Lions’ upcoming tour of Australia.
