Simon Easterby says he expects Andy Farrell to "leave us to crack on with it" when he takes a sabbatical to become the British and Irish Lions head coach.

Easterby will become Ireland's head coach while Farrell takes charge of the Lions tour of Australia.

Farrell will switch his focus to the Lions following Ireland's autumn internationals, and Easterby will step up from defence coach to the top job for the Six Nations and a summer tour.

Prior to that, Easterby will also lead an Emerging Ireland side on a tour of South Africa in October.

"I'm sure he'll be there on the end of the phone if needed but as far as we're concerned he is stepping away completely," said Easterby on Farrell's involvement during his sabbatical.

"He's leaving us to crack on and get on with it.

"He's been fully involved in the progression and the continuity, and he will be right through to the end of November.

"After that his focus has to switch to a massive year for him as he prepares for the Lions tour in Australia."