Ireland's Tommy O'Brien celebrates a try with Jack Crowley during the Six Nations win over Scotland. The state of Irish rugby – and the sport itself – is on an upward curve after an enormously entertaining Six Nations. It was a risky move, to use so many untested players, but the pay-off could be seen Down Under in 2027. Arguably Ireland’s strongest area, what with Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan impressing on last summer’s Lions tour of Australia. Darragh Murray makes his mark for Ireland by scoring a try against Scotland in the Six Nations.

Source: The Irish Times March 20, 2026 10:17 UTC