The **Emerging Ireland Tour** to South Africa is set to take place this Autumn, with Simon Easterby at the helm. The tour aims to provide high-potential players with a chance to connect with the National Coaching Team and experience the intensity of a National Team environment. Following the success of the 2022 Emerging Ireland Tour, Ireland Defence Coach Simon Easterby will lead the squad, assisted by Ireland Forwards Coach Paul O’Connell, Ireland Scrum Coach John Fogarty, and incoming Ireland Backs Coach Andrew Goodman.
The **Emerging Ireland squad** will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on 25 September, before departing for Bloemfontein on 28 September. The tour will commence with a match against the Pumas on Wednesday, 2 October. This will be followed by a game against Super Rugby team Western Force on Sunday, 6 October. The tour will conclude with a match against defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, 9 October. All matches are scheduled to take place at Toyota Stadium.
Importance of the Emerging Ireland Tour
The tour schedule is meticulously designed to challenge the players in a National Team environment. It offers a unique window for the players to impress the coaches and align with the National Team’s tactical and technical approach. The tour is not just about playing matches; it’s about building connections, understanding the demands of high-level rugby, and growing as athletes.
In 2022, players like Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash, and Joe McCarthy made significant impressions during the Emerging Ireland Tour. Their performances helped them secure places in Andy Farrell’s Guinness Six Nations-winning squad earlier this season. This highlights the value of the tour in identifying and nurturing talent within the Irish rugby system.
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell on the Emerging Ireland Tour
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell commented on the tour announcement, saying, “We are delighted to confirm details of a second Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa later this year, the value of which cannot be understated. This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a National Team environment, work with the National Team coaches, and access meaningful game time in a green jersey. Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level.”
Simon Easterby on Leading the Emerging Ireland Squad
Emerging Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby added, “The 2022 Tour was of huge value, as evidenced by the cohort of players who have come through and been capped at Test level for Ireland since. It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches, but that is part of the challenge for the whole group—building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey.”
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The **Emerging Ireland Tour** to South Africa is more than just a series of matches; it’s an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and prove their worth in a highly competitive environment. The tour will challenge the players to adapt quickly, perform under pressure, and demonstrate their readiness to step up to the next level.
With the tour schedule designed to test the players’ abilities, it’s also a crucial period for the coaching staff. They will be assessing each player’s performance, looking for those who can make the transition to the senior team. The tour provides a platform for young talent to shine and for the coaches to identify future stars of Irish rugby.
Conclusion
The **Emerging Ireland Tour** to South Africa is a vital part of the IRFU’s strategy to develop young talent and prepare them for the rigors of international rugby. With Simon Easterby leading the squad, supported by an experienced coaching team, the tour promises to be an invaluable experience for all involved. As the players prepare to embark on this challenging journey, the rugby community will be watching closely to see who will rise to the occasion and make a lasting impression.
Kick-off times and broadcast details will be confirmed in due course, with the Emerging Ireland squad for South Africa to be announced in September.
