Gatland, who gave Easterby his Irish debut against Scotland in the 2000 Six Nations, also believes that staying outside the parameters of one’s own national team demonstrates a trust in one’s own assistants and will thus help them to grow as coaches.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby says that his team are more motivated by improving, rather than worrying about the strength of the chasing pack as they seek another successful Six Nations championship.

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.

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.