[7] Easterby received a call-up to the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand after Lawrence Dallaglio fractured his ankle in the first game.

On retiring in 2010, Easterby was officially confirmed as the Scarlets' new defence coach and signed a two-year contract with the region.

In June 2012, Easterby was confirmed as the new head coach for the Scarlets, following the departure of Nigel Davies to Gloucester.

His long association with the Scarlets came to an end in July 2014 when he was confirmed as Ireland's new forwards coach, replacing the outgoing John Plumtree.

He took on the role of interim head coach on 1 December 2024 while Andy Farrell took charge of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2025.

[11] In August 2014, Easterby was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September's referendum on that issue.