Paul O’Connell will be Head Coach for two-Test summer series against Georgia in Tbilisi and Portugal in Lisbon this July. And will be joined by Denis Leamy, Mike Prendergast and Colm Tucker on tour following the conclusion of their respective provincial campaigns. That makes for an unprecedented three Munster men in charge of an Ireland senior team while Tucker is appointed just 24 hours after being announced as Connacht's interim coach for the rest of the season. The opportunities arrive as Andy Farrell, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman will all be away with Lions in Australia as Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Scrum Coach and Attack Coach respectively. Current Ireland Forwards Coach O'Connell, one of the most decorated Ireland internationals of all time, joined the Ireland senior men’s coaching ticket in January 2021. A former Ireland, Munster and Lions captain helped Ireland win back-to-back Nations titles (including a Grand Slam in 2023 and three Triple Crowns) during that time and the Limerick man has also been a part of two successful Emerging Ireland tours to South Africa. The playing squad touring will be announced in mid-June. “I am honoured to accept the interim position of Head Coach for the forthcoming summer tour to Georgia and Portugal," said O'Connell. "It promises to be an important series of matches played against unfamiliar opponents in testing conditions. With a busy schedule of international rugby this summer, these two Tests will provide us with further opportunities to assess and develop the competition levels within the squad. "I am excited to work with a coaching team who I know well individually and are hugely motivated to deliver success to Ireland and look forward to putting our plans in place over the coming weeks.” IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “We’re delighted that Paul has accepted this role and believe that his elevation ensures continuity within the Men’s coaching team. "It will also mark an important step in his coaching career as we look ahead to an exciting summer schedule. He will be assisted by Denis, Mike and Cullie who have all been in Ireland camp at different points over the last number of months and their selections is another positive progression in their coaching careers and reasserts the IRFU’s commitment to developing a pathway for Irish coaches.” IRLAND SUMMER TOUR 2025*Saturday, 5th July:* Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time)*Saturday, 12th July:* Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (kick off time tbc) Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.