Where better than to study France, the Six Nations champions, and runners-up, Andy Farrell’s Ireland? With the addition of European games, French players could have played a maximum of 23 games, Irish players 17. The outhalf has started all 16 matches he has played in with an average of 71 minutes on the pitch. The benefit of regular match minutes is evident as these two players have developed from teenage phenomena into outstanding senior internationals. Or will Leinster, the last province standing in the premier European tournament, benefit from the IRFU’s player management programme?

Source: The Irish Times March 26, 2026 14:39 UTC