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Last November, on this very site, I wrote an obituary on this era of the Irish national team. One of my main takeaways from the Irish regression, which seemed to accelerate in reversing across that month was, “slowly at first, then all at once.”
Last November, on this very site, I wrote an obituary on this era of the Irish national team. One of my main takeaways from the Irish regression, which seemed to accelerate in reversing across that month was, “slowly at first, then all at once.”
That’s how many Irish fans felt, watching the heroes of 2022-early 2024; look like spent forces by the end of 2025. Father time catches up with everyone, so the question for the 2026 Six Nations is simple:
‘As everyone else zigs and zags, will Andy Farrell remain stuck in the mud?’
Overview:
For those who might not be familiar with the Irish squad, here are the main facts:
Head coach: Andy Farrell (since 2020)
Assistant coaches: Simon Easterby, Johnny Sexton, Andrew Goodman, Paul O’Connell, John Fogarty
Captain: Caelan Doris
Squad size: 36
Uncapped: Billy Bohan, Edwin Edogbo, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite
Absentees: Andrew Porter, Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Jack Boyle, Tom Ahern, Paddy McCarthy, Calvin Nash, Zac Ward, Jimmy O’Brien, Iain Henderson.
Last season: 3rd
Most recent win: 2023 (Grand Slam)
Where are they now?
If I had the answer to that question, I’d make a fortune. No one really knows, and to be honest, there’s little appetite to investigate.
From 2022 to the summer of 2024; everyone knew what Ireland were… quality. Now however, it feels like they are a fading force, and to add to the misery; face the tougher of the Six Nations slates.
Home: Italy, Wales, Scotland
Away: France, England
It would take an upturn of miraculous proportions for them to reign victorious, but there is a layer of world-class quality in the squad, who have shown before what they can do.
Add in provincial form in the URC and in Europe, namely with the Ulster revival, and you would be foolish, naive, ignorant or all of the above to claim that there is a lack of talent on this small island.
What is a realistic target?
When you are a top side, like Ireland are, you get judged accordingly. So although the Six Nations is a championship that still favours home comforts, Ireland should be aiming for at least one away win this spring.
Whether that’s in Paris or Twickenham, it’s the bare minimum. And that’s not the damm them with feint praise or targets, but a 3-win year will not be enough for glory, so surely 4 from 5 is the olive branch target, and hope neither England nor France romp to a slam.
From there, Ireland should fear no one at home. While Scotland are an improved side, they crack under the slightest green pressure; while Italy have never won in Dublin, and Wales haven’t done so since 2013.
The other aim for the tournament should be tactical and selection evolution, that does not revert to the mean when players return from injury.
If Jeremy Loughman or Michael Milne impress on their chance; back them. Give Tom Stewart a decent run out, allow Cormac Izuchukwu and Edwin Edogbo become pack cornerstones, hand out multiple debuts, and don’t ask aging options like Gibson-Park or Lowe to play 400+ minutes across the five rounds.
An overreliance on great, but depreciating players will only come back to bite Ireland. However it remains to be seen, after another stodgy November, if Andy Farrell’s talk is cheap when it comes to rewarding form.
Predictions:
As an Irishman and Ireland fan; I would love to lay out a path to grand slam glory. Can I see it happening? Unfortunately not. That said, despite my previous misery merchant stall; I can see a respectable and improved top two finish.
If Ireland are to claim an away win in the championship, then opening night is the time to do it. Andy Farrell’s cohesion often gives them a leg up to start off a block, while the je ne sais quoi that we adore about France, often swings the pendulum the other way.
Having gone through a week long camp in Portugal in advance of flying to Paris, it presents a chance to get off the starting blocks quickly.
From there, three home wins should be engraved already; with the Twickenham showdown to decide their fortunes.
Final Prediction:
3rd place finish, no triple crown.