Can Farrell's Ireland Regain Momentum in 2026?

The year 2025 was a challenging period for Andy Farrell's Ireland rugby team, which saw them drop to fourth in the world rankings. Despite a strong start, Ireland faced difficulties that raised questions about their future performance ahead of the 2026 Nations Championship. The upcoming year is pivotal for the team as they seek to rebuild and regain their status among the elite in international rugby.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As 2025 concluded, Ireland's rugby team found themselves in a precarious position. The team is grappling with the fallout of disappointing results, including a heart-wrenching quarter-final exit at the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand. With a mixed record in the Six Nations and a series of defeats during autumn internationals, the pressure is mounting on Farrell and his squad to not just recover but to innovate and adapt as they prepare for the next World Cup cycle.

Key takeaways

• Ireland dropped to fourth in the world rankings during 2025.
• The team faces scrutiny after a disappointing World Cup and autumn series.
• Upcoming matches in the 2026 Nations Championship are crucial for rebuilding momentum.

Timeline: how we got here

The trajectory of Ireland's rugby performance can be mapped through key events over the past few years:

• October 2023: Ireland exits the World Cup with a quarter-final loss to New Zealand.
• March 2024: Ireland wins the Six Nations, marking a significant achievement after a long wait.
• June 2024: A split series against South Africa raises concerns about the team's consistency.
• November 2025: Ireland suffers defeats against New Zealand and South Africa during autumn internationals.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The focus is on how Ireland will address their performance issues in 2026, particularly through squad selection and tactical adjustments. The emergence of younger players such as Munster's Edwin Edogbo and Ulster's Jude Postlethwaite could inject new energy into the squad.

What was already established

Ireland's historical struggles in World Cups are well documented, with this latest cycle reflecting ongoing challenges. The team has often been accused of peaking too early in the four-year cycle, a sentiment that many believe still lingers post-2023.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households across the UK, Ireland's rugby performance can influence engagement and viewership, impacting everything from merchandise sales to attendance at matches. The disappointment of the past year may affect fan morale but could also galvanise support for a renewed campaign in 2026.

Businesses and jobs

The performance of the national team plays a crucial role in the rugby economy, especially for companies involved in sponsorship, merchandise, and hospitality sectors. A successful campaign in 2026 could boost local businesses associated with rugby events and increase job opportunities within the sports sector.

Policy and regulation

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and other governing bodies will be monitoring performance closely, potentially leading to changes in coaching strategies or player development programmes. Upcoming consultations may address the need for evolving training practices and support systems for players.

Numbers that matter

• 4th: Ireland's current world ranking, a decline felt acutely after previous highs.
• 15: The number of players over 30 in the November squad, raising concerns over age and experience.
• 3: The target for victories in the upcoming 2026 Six Nations, a crucial step for regaining confidence.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Six Nations: An annual rugby tournament involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
• World Cup: The premier international championship for rugby union, held every four years.
• WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby in Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will be on squad selection for the Six Nations and how to integrate new players into the established framework. This involves assessing the readiness of younger players and their compatibility with the team’s playing style.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the 2026 Nations Championship approaches, Ireland must aim for consistency in performance, building on early fixtures to establish a winning momentum. The team will also need to focus on adaptive strategies to cope with evolving game dynamics.

Signals to watch

• Player form leading into the Six Nations.
• Injuries or fitness levels of key squad members.
• Coaching decisions regarding the balance of youth and experience within the team.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the integration of younger players into the squad.
• Monitor player performances in domestic leagues for insights into readiness.
• Encourage open communication within the coaching staff for tactical adjustments.

Don’t

• Overlook the importance of building team chemistry.
• Neglect the need for physical conditioning and injury prevention.
• Assume existing strategies will continue to yield results without adaptation.

Checklist

• Evaluate the balance of youth and experience in the squad.
• Review performance metrics from recent matches.
• Engage with fans to gauge support and expectations.
• Prepare for tactical flexibility in upcoming fixtures.
• Focus on mental resilience among players during challenging moments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

With the shift in player demographics and the team's overall performance, there are risks associated with reliance on older players who may not withstand the rigours of international competition. The potential for injuries and the impact of player fatigue could further complicate Ireland’s path forward. Additionally, as the rugby landscape evolves, Ireland must adapt swiftly to remain competitive.

Bottom line

As Ireland navigates 2026, the focus will be on rebuilding and recalibrating following a challenging 2025. The upcoming Nations Championship presents a vital opportunity for the team to regain confidence and redefine their strategy ahead of future competitions. The integration of fresh talent alongside seasoned players will be crucial to achieving success in the near future.

FAQs

What led to Ireland's drop in the world rankings?

The drop in Ireland's world ranking can be attributed to a series of disappointing performances, including a quarter-final loss in the World Cup and defeats in the autumn internationals.

How important is the 2026 Nations Championship for Ireland?

The 2026 Nations Championship is critical for Ireland as it provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence and test new strategies ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Who are the emerging players to watch for Ireland in 2026?

Emerging players such as Edwin Edogbo, Jude Postlethwaite, and experienced players like Paddy McCarthy are expected to play significant roles as Ireland looks to rejuvenate their squad.