FORMER Ireland and Ulster winger Tommy Bowe has weighed in on Simon Easterby’s future amid links to the Wales job.
The BBC pundit reckons the interim Ireland boss is a strong candidate for the Scotland job after his impressive stint at the helm with Ireland.
Tommy Bowe reckons Simon Easterby may be on Scotland’s radar[/caption]
Easterby has stepped in for Andy Farrell while he takes a sabbatical to coach the British & Irish Lions on their summer Tour of Australia.
Ireland claimed a third win from as many games yesterday, and the Triple Crown as they saw off Wales in a close affair in Cardiff.
Reports have linked Easterby with the vacant Wales head coach position following Warren Gatland’s recent dismissal.
Matt Sherratt took the role on an interim basis until the end of the Six Nations.
But Bowe believes a move across the Irish Sea is unlikely, even though Easterby resides in Wales.
Speaking on BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly, the Ulster legend reckons the Scotland job could be a better suited role for Easterby.
He said: “I personally can’t see [Easterby going to Wales]… But there is a lot to lose. It would be a real challenge.
“His stock is extremely high right now, but he won’t get the Ireland job because Andy Farrell will return after the Lions tour.
“Where I personally see Simon going, if he moves on from the Irish setup, is to Scotland.”
Former IRFU director of rugby David Nucifora recently took up a role with Scottish Rugby, and with Gregor Townsend’s contract set to expire in 2026.
And Bowe feels Easterby could be earmarked as his successor.
Earlier this week, Easterby insisted that he remains focused on his current role with Ireland.
He said: “There’s been speculation, and that’s exactly what it is—speculation,” he said on Thursday. “I’m not in control of that.
“I love what I do here. I’ve been in this position with the team for a long time, working with incredible people—both management and players. For me, it’s a dream job.
“Speculation is just that. It’s not something I can control.”
