Former Lions tourist Simon Easterby admits his move into coaching has already lengthened his daily working hours.
The 34-year-old became a player-coach at Welsh region the Scarlets this summer after a decade of service in Llanelli.
And the 2005 Test Lion admits that balancing both roles is proving to be an enjoyable, albeit demanding, experience.
"Things have been good. It just means my day has been extended by about three or four hours!" said Easterby, who was called up as a late replacement for Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions four years ago.
"I am enjoying things and I suppose the advantage I have over other coaches is that I am still playing and can put things into practice on the pitch and maybe change things. I am still learning and it will take me some time to do that."
But despite reveling in his foray into coaching, Easterby says he has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.
The 65-times capped Ireland flanker believes he still has plenty left to offer as a player and intends to spend as much time proving himself on the pitch in what will be his sixth season with the Scarlets and in his 11th overall in Llanelli.
"My priority this year was to play as much as I can and that still is the case," added Easterby, who was a try scorer in the Lions’ second-Test defeat to the All Blacks in what was his first appearance as a Test Lion.
"We have a good squad of back-row forwards here and I am part of that unit."
