THE Easterby brothers have been given a new year's boost after their inclusion in Ireland's 43-strong training squad for the 2002 Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship.

Guy and Simon Easterby, whose family still live in Church Fenton, both ply their trade for Welsh outfit Llanelli and are only two of seven non-Ireland based players in the squad.

The squad is the first of new coach Eddie O'Sullivan's reign, but despite the change in management, there is a familiar feel to it.

O'Sullivan, who will be assisted by Declan Kidney, Niall O'Donovan and former rugby league star Mike Ford, has named just three new faces - Paul O'Connell, Keith Gleeson and Paddy Wallace - in the squad which shocked England in last season's Championship.

Scrum-half Guy Easterby, 30, will resume his battle with Cork's Peter Stringer for the No9 shirt, although injury could rule Stringer out of the season's opener against Wales in Dublin on Sunday, February 3.

Meanwhile Simon, 26, will be hoping he can finally face his club-mates after injury ruled him out of last season's clash against the Welsh.

Updated: 13:47 Saturday, January 12, 2002