Simon Easterby is back in Ireland green for the 2026 Six Nations after spending the summer as a key cog in the Lions coaching staff.
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Who is Simon Easterby’s wife?
While Easterby’s heart beats green for Ireland, there’s red-hot Welsh passion at home—he’s married to none other than Sarra Elgan, the much-loved S4C and TNT Sports presenter, and a familiar face in rugby broadcasting circles.
The couple, celebrating 20 years of marriage in 2025, are true rugby royalty. Elgan—whose presenting career spans Sky Sports, ESPN, and BBC—is the daughter of legendary Neath, Wales and Lions winger Elgan Rees. It’s safe to say rugby runs deep in their family tree.
A wedding full of Welsh legends
Their 2005 wedding was a rugby who’s-who, with former Wales and Scarlets fullback Matt Cardey standing as Easterby’s best man. Not to be outdone, Simon’s brother Guy Easterby, himself a 28-cap Ireland international, added even more Test pedigree to the big day.
That awkward moment on live TV
Despite working in the same industry, their paths rarely cross on camera—until a now-famous moment during the 2024 Six Nations. After Ireland’s win over Wales, Elgan had to interview her husband live on S4C.
“I don’t know how to interview you!” she confessed on air, prompting a laugh from Easterby. The pair ended up having a full-blown rugby chat—one Elgan joked was the most in-depth they’d had since getting married.
As the interview wrapped, she cheekily added:
“That wasn’t as awkward as I thought. That was actually much better. Did you pick up your black socks to wear with your suit later?”
Ireland player ratings vs Italy
JAMIE OSBORNE – 6.5
Strong in the air once more from the in-form back-three man. On hand to support McCloskey for the opening try, with a great burst of pace. Frustrated to knock the ball on at 21 minutes as Ireland built an attack. Made a key try-saving tackle at 48 minutes, sending an Italian player into touch.
ROB BALOUCOUNE – 7
Making his Six Nations debut after a red-hot run of form with Ulster, Baloucoune took the start on the wing. Immediately involved in the high-ball chase, with a kick gather and a hit on the following recipient. A strong defensive presence, he hit Monty Ioane into touch. Marked his debut with a stunning try, producing a powerful solo finish to take Ireland into the lead.
GARRY RINGROSE – 6
Delivered his usual contributions across the gain-line as he matched up largely against the in-form Tommaso Menoncello, with both centres nullifying each other’s threats. A mid-air clash went unpunished, with the Leinster man fortunate to escape unscathed. Tried to fly out of the line and briefly covered scrum-half when Casey went to the sin bin, albeit as Italy stole back possession.
STUART MCCLOSKEY – 6.5
Threw his weight into every carry and showcased a nice set of hands to offload to Osborne for Ireland’s first try. Made solid contributions over the gain-line, though he was a step off defensively against the unpredictable Italian attack. Bagged a second assist with a looping offload to Baloucoune, with Ulster cohesion evident in the score.
JAMES LOWE – 6
Returning to the match day squad after playing no part against France. Upped a solid tempo along the left wing with some strong carries. Testing the back-field with his customary kicks, and got the crowd off their feet with a neat regathered chip. Italy knew all about the threat of Lowe, as he was not given an inch of space for the most part, and was stripped in the air at a 72nd minute contest to define his mixed bag under the high ball. His starring intercept break came in the final moment, to get Ireland out of danger and secure the win.
SAM PRENDERGAST – 5 (OFF 55)
There was plenty of discussion around Prendergast’s retention at fly-half after an underwhelming performance against France. A wide miss-pass was nearly intercepted by Louis Lynagh, who received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Missed conversions drew groans from the Ireland support, as Prendergast looked a step off the mark when Ireland were on the front foot. He winced in discomfort before being replaced by Jack Crowley.
CRAIG CASEY – 5 (OFF 51)
Started at scrum-half in place of Jamison Gibson-Park. His first box kick was below par but thankfully retained by Irish hands. Nearly threw an intercept in the opening stages and was fortunate to escape. Sent tumbling backwards in a tackle attempt after clattering head-to-head with Lorenzo Cannone, resulting in a trip to the sin bin and a bunker review.
JEREMY LOUGHMAN – 6
Made his second consecutive start for Ireland after a strong return to the squad. Collapsed under pressure at scrum time, with Ireland losing their own put-in on the stroke of half-time to cap a difficult first-half showing up front. Produced a key close-range carry to lay the groundwork for Jack Conan’s early second-half try.
DAN SHEEHAN – 5.5
Left red-faced after being manhandled and driven backwards by two Italian defenders when attempting to score from close range. After strong lineout work against France, Sheehan missed his mark in the first half. Not his strongest performance at scrum time either, with the starting front row falling short of their Paris standards. The lineout improved after the break, with quick ball helping to set up Conan’s try.
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