Rúaidhrí O’Connor: Ireland’s harsh new reality – we are no longer at the top tableIrish hang on for dear life against Italians in a game that proves we have joined the Six Nations’ second tierJames Lowe of Ireland is tackled by Monty Ioane, left, and Tommaso Menoncello of Italy during the Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo: Brendan Moran/SportsfileRúaidhrí O'Connor Yesterday at 21:50We were told by the Ireland camp last week that it would be disingenuous to say the team are in decline. After they white-knuckled their way to a narrow home win against Italy, it would be disingenuous to suggest they are not.

Source: Irish Independent February 15, 2026 14:57 UTC