British & Irish Lions coach is married to famous rugby presenter
Rugby NewsTuesday, 06 May 2025 at 13:24
Simon Easterby to reunite with Andy Farrell for 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia
Former British & Irish Lion Simon Easterby is officially back in the red, reuniting with Andy Farrell as one of the assistant coaches for this summer’s highly-anticipated Lions tour of Australia.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The Irishman, who featured twice on the infamous 2005 tour of New Zealand, brings experience, bite, and a touch of family flair to the coaching setup.
He’ll join a stacked backroom team alongside Richard Wigglesworth, John Dalziel, Andrew Goodman, and John Fogarty—forming what fans hope will be a dream ticket Down Under.
From Triple Crown to Lions crown
Easterby has been an integral cog in Ireland’s dominant defence in recent years, most recently stepping up as interim head coach for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations—where he led his side to a Triple Crown triumph.
Speaking after the announcement, he said:
“It’s incredible to be part of the Lions coaching team and this is a very proud day for me and my family.
“It doesn’t get any better than a Lions Tour. I was lucky enough to Tour with the Lions 20 years ago. It’s been a long time between gigs, but it is an exciting time and I am looking forward to getting stuck in.”
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?”
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Sam Warburton's 2025 Lions Squad: The England Contingent
? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, Wing)
A breakout star before injury cut his season short, the Cardiff-born flyer qualifies for England through residency. Electric pace, dazzling footwork, and power in contact make him a game-changer. Warburton calls him “the best winger of the lot” — high praise indeed.
? Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, Wing)
The versatile back can slot in at fullback or wing, boasting serious size, speed, and composure. Freeman is a constant threat with ball in hand and has grown into a reliable option under Steve Borthwick.
? Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, Fly-half)
The former Worcester Warrior is one of the brightest 10s in the Premiership. Calm under pressure and a metronomic goal-kicker, Smith has earned rave reviews for steering Saints to the top of the table.
? Marcus Smith (Harlequins, Fly-half)
The most mercurial of England's playmakers. Smith has footwork, flair, and vision to unlock defences but can divide opinion with his risk-taking. Warburton sees the value in that magic.
⚡ Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, Scrum-half)
A sharp operator with a lightning pass and sniping runs. Mitchell thrives in quick ball scenarios and adds serious tempo to any attack — a modern scrum-half through and through.
? Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, Prop)
Nicknamed “The Baby Rhino” for good reason. Genge brings raw power, aggression, and leadership. A fan favourite and a core figure in England's forward pack.
? Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, Prop)
A dependable tighthead with massive scrummaging ability. Stuart’s work around the park often goes unnoticed, but he’s a cornerstone of England’s front row depth.
? Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, Hooker)
After injury setbacks, LCD is roaring back. Explosive, confrontational, and dynamic in the loose — if he stays fit, he’s a serious Lions contender.
? Maro Itoje (Saracens, Lock)
One of the modern greats. Itoje’s athleticism, lineout dominance, and disruptive presence at the breakdown make him a Lions lynchpin. Warburton even named him potential captain material.
? George Martin (Leicester Tigers, Lock)
Still just 23, but built like a veteran enforcer. Martin is physical, fearless, and hits like a freight train. Think of him as the Lions' future Alun Wyn Jones.
?️ Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Lock)
Athletic, rangy, and relentless. Chessum covers lock and blindside flanker, offering a dynamic engine room option with excellent work rate.
? Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)
Though injuries have sidelined him recently, Curry remains one of the world's best opensides when fit. Relentless at the breakdown and rarely has an off day.
? Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, Back row)
Tom’s twin and an underrated star in his own right. Tough as nails, defensively sound, and a breakdown menace — he’s forced his way into this elite group.
⚡ Ben Earl (Saracens, Back row)
England’s best player in 2023, Earl brings explosiveness, agility, and relentless energy from the back row. He’s a line-break machine and defensive workhorse.
? Sam Warburton’s 40-man Lions squad for 2025
Fullbacks:
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Murray (Scotland)
Wingers:
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Centres:
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Fly-halves:
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)
Scrum-halves:
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)
Props:
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Hookers:
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)
Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Dewi Lake (Wales)
Locks:
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)
Maro Itoje (England), George Martin (England), Ollie Chessum (England), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland)
Back rowers:
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Tom Curry (England), Ben Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Jack Conan (Ireland), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
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