Ilf would go into the new year safe knowing Andy Farrell is signed to lead Ireland to the next World Cup, but as the 2024 Six Nations approaches, Ireland’s head coach is forced to make some big decisions.
After experiencing the heartbreak of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final exit, Farrell now looks to build on a fantastic few years as the team regroups for a new season and a fresh start.
Each province has a number of important games ahead of them next month, but Farrell will have Ireland ready for a training camp in Portugal by the end of January, with their Six Nations opener away to France on February 2. We are planning to welcome you.
Ireland look well-placed to compete under Farrell, but nothing is guaranteed in sport and the Wigan-born Farrell has had little to ponder since New Zealand sent packages from France to Ireland. There must have been many.
Here we take a look at some of the key questions facing Farrell as Ireland prepare for a fresh start in 2024.
Ireland’s new captain chosen
Johnny Sexton’s absence leaves Farrell with a lot to do, and the task of selecting Ireland’s next captain will be near the top of his to-do list.
It is often forgotten that Farrell’s decision to appoint Sexton as Rory Best’s successor in 2020 was not well received by the general public. First, Sexton was 34 years old at the time, so there were understandable doubts about whether he would be able to complete the four-year cycle leading up to the 2023 World Cup. Then there were questions about Sexton’s temperament. That came to the fore in November 2020 when the out-half voiced his displeasure after being substituted late in the defeat to France.
Farrell and Ireland are preparing for life without Johnny Sexton. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
In the end, Farrell’s decision to make Sexton captain proved to be an inspired one, as the Leinster player grew into the role and continued to perform at a very high level right up until his retirement. Ta. A giant of Irish rugby, Sexton remains an inspiration and iconic figure for many Irish players, so it will be interesting to see what route Farrell takes in choosing his next captain. Sho.
Peter O’Mahony says he may need to consider his international future, but he is the most obvious choice if the Munster man is not ready to leave Test rugby just yet. It looks like it is. Like Sexton, O’Mahony brings presence and experience that few can match, but the 34-year-old could find his position under threat in a competitive back-row. .
Ian Henderson has plenty of experience as captain and there could be an argument for Leinster co-captains Garry Ringrose and James Ryan to step up, but Farrell would like to take a different approach. If so, now may be the perfect time to support younger team members. Caelan Doris, 25, is already a key part of the Ireland squad. His importance to the group is underlined by the fact that he recently signed his first center contract with the IRFU.
Naming a young player as captain could allow him to lead the team until the 2027 World Cup in Australia. While that may be appealing to Farrell, the idea of handing the reins to O’Mahony for a few years while others gain more leadership experience may also be appealing.
Farrell showed the right decision in supporting Sexton four years ago, so it will be interesting to see where his thinking takes him this time around.
Outhalf question
Another big decision has been made with Sexton’s retirement, but this time it looks at least somewhat simpler. The out-half pecking order changed significantly last year, with Jack Crowley emerging next and Ross Byrne playing back into Farrell’s plans. Joey Carbery has long been touted as Sexton’s successor, but now finds himself on the fringes of the team after a difficult year that saw him miss out on selection for the Six Nations and World Cup.
Jack Crowley, who is in pole position, is likely to be in Ireland’s starting 10 for the Six Nations. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Further down the depth chart, Ireland’s coach is the likes of Ciaran Frawley, who will be hoping to return with his game, but who has missed some of Leinster’s disorganized results. There is room to make up. The 26-year-old looked sharp when brought on early against Munster in November but struggled at times, including a rare 10-point start against Sale Sharks.
Harry Byrne missed his tee shot twice in Test conditions against Munster on St Stephen’s Day, but will get further chances in the coming weeks and a good run of form will ensure he returns to the squad. will do. Connacht captain Jack Carty has not given up on his Ireland ambitions, while JJ Hanrahan is an outside bet having performed well since moving to The Sportsground.
As it stands, Crawley appears to be in pole position to win the number 10 shirt for the Six Nations. The 23-year-old has approached Test rugby with aplomb and has continued to impress since returning to Munster duties this year. Ross Byrne is currently sidelined with an arm injury and looks set to hang up his jersey, but the depth chart for out-halves in recent years has been anything but straightforward.
Increase squad depth
Adding depth at out-half is vital, but Farrell will also turn his attention to other areas of the team once Ireland settle into a familiar round 23 of their World Cup appearances.
The back three of Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Mack Hansen looks set in stone, but with Lowe now 31 and Keith Earls retiring, Farrell will be looking to add some young wingers to the mix. It will be possible to fill the gap. Jimmy O’Brien is a great addition as a utility player and will likely target the wing position as his long-term future. Ulster pair Robert Balcoon and Jacob Stockdale need more consistent performances to get into that conversation, while Shane Daly and Calvin Nash have become key players for Munster .
Jimmy O’Brien will likely target the wing position. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Ringrose, Bundy Aki and Robbie Henshaw are likely to once again lead the way in terms of minutes played at centre, but Stuart McCloskey was strong in 2023 and Leinster’s Jamie Osborne A number of young talents will have ambitions to make it through next season, including Connacht’s Cathal Forde. Munster’s Ireland center Antoine Frisch is also set to play for a few seasons.
Craig Casey, 24, is at a stage where he needs to close the gap on Jamison Gibson-Park (31) and Conor Murray (34). Casey is a regular on the Ireland squad, while Connacht’s Caolin Blade and Ulster’s John Cooney have been consistent performers in their respective regions.
There is no lack of talent at hooker, but more competition for first-choice props Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong would be welcome. Farrell’s loosehead options looked a bit light, but Jack Boyle (21), Paddy McCarthy (20), Michael Milne (24) and Josh Wycherley (24) are all exciting. He is a promising player. Tighthead Oli Jaeger, 28, joined Munster from the Crusaders and could break into the squad after impressing in his first start against Leinster last week.
Joe McCarthy is a rising star in the second row, 22 years old, and the Leinster giant already has international experience.
The back row is an area of strength, but Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Vlier and Caelan Doris have proven difficult to replace in Ireland’s starting XI. Jack Connan and Ryan Baird have long demonstrated their quality at Test level, but Farrell is likely to attract more options into camp. Will Connors has had some good days at Leinster despite his injury problems, Tom Ahearn has shone since moving into Munster’s back row and John Hodnett continues to attract attention.
Threats facing Ireland
Despite suffering yet another defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals, Irish rugby looks to be in a good place. Many of Farrell’s squads are on the right side of the 30, with exciting young players from each state.
There was a general perception that on any other day Ireland would have crossed the line against New Zealand, so Farrell returned from France with no lasting stain on his reputation and the IRFU promptly gave him He was handed a new four-year contract. Farrell, who was already under contract until 2025, will remain with the team until after the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Mike Catt will step down as offensive coach in the summer. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Naturally, this was hailed as good news, but it also comes with risks. Coaches tend to have a certain longevity, and while Farrell remains hugely popular with both the team and supporters, he will need to find a way to keep things fresh for the players over the next four years. .
There will be an element of transition this season as the Irish discover life post-Sexton. Attacking coach Mike Catt has also been transferred after the summer tour to South Africa, with Leinster boss Andrew Goodman tasked with building on Catt’s success.
There are aspects of the Irish game that require careful attention. Lineouts have proven costly during the World Cup and will continue to be targeted by opposing teams. Paul O’Connell will need to address this issue and it will be one of the team’s key areas of focus heading into the new season.
While there are certainly no major concerns about Ireland’s prospects heading into 2024, Farrell could start to feel the pressure if there is a dip in performance during the transition period. As he well knows, it all comes with territory.
Another big season awaits.