Easterby and Caelan Doris flew from Rome to Lisbon after the Six Nations launch, from where they drove to Quinta do Lago. As in November, Johnny Sexton will again be in and out of the squad, pending work commitments, in his background role as a mentor to the Irish outhalves.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby believes his side will embrace expectation as they seek an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title.

Ireland interim coach Simon Easterby is ready to use his years of experience working with the side to take the country to a third successive Six Nations Championship success, and knows the team will need to improve to stay on top.

Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby said Tuesday the challenge for him and his players in their bid to become the first side to win three successive Six Nations titles is to "stay ahead of the pack".

Assuming the role of head coach on an interim basis in place of Andy Farrell, Easterby cut a relaxed figure among coaches more experienced at this annual event – Warren Gatland is heading into his 17th Championship and even Gonzalo Quesada had done his first last year.

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Ireland interim coach Simon Easterby is ready to use his years of experience working with the side to take the country to a third successive Six Nations Championship success, and knows the team will need to improve to stay on top.