Andy Farrell Announces Ireland Squad for Six Nations 2024
In a much-anticipated move, Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled the squad for the upcoming Six Nations 2024 tournament, signalling a changing of the guard with an influx of fresh faces while retaining seasoned players who narrowly missed making history in the World Cup.
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Which players will remain absent from Six Nations 2024?
The announcement, scheduled for Wednesday at 2 pm on January 17, has been the talk of the rugby town, with fans eagerly awaiting the revelation of the selected squad. Notably absent from this campaign will be stalwarts Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls due to retirement, along with Mack Hansen, Dave Kilcoyne, Jimmy O’Brien, and Rob Herring, who are sidelined due to injuries. Another blow comes in the form of Ross Byrne, nursing an arm injury, making his participation uncertain.
In the wake of these setbacks, Farrell’s selection strategy includes a blend of experience and new blood. Recent injuries have prompted adjustments to initial predictions, with three uncapped players making the cut in the speculated 37-man squad. The youthful energy is particularly evident in the backline, featuring names like Sam Prendergast and Tom Ahern, who have earned backing from former players such as Dan Leavy.
Leavy, speaking on the latest episode of House of Rugby, expressed confidence in Munster’s Jack Crowley and advocated for the inclusion of Sam Prendergast in the absence of the injured Ross Byrne. The forward pack sees Tom Ahern, who has been in exceptional form, vying for a spot alongside Ryan Baird. Leavy believes that while immediate inclusion might not be on the cards, the Six Nations is a long tournament, allowing these promising players a chance to shine.
At the same time as the announcement, the British & Irish Lions revealed plans for the first-ever Lions Women’s Tour in September 2027. The Black Ferns will be the opposition in three Test matches during the Lions Women’s Series, which will be held in New Zealand. Ieuan Evans, Chairperson of British & Irish Lions, expressed excitement about the growth of women’s rugby and praised New Zealand as hosts.
As the countdown to the Six Nations begins, fans eagerly await Farrell’s selections and hope that the blend of experience and fresh talent will propel Ireland to success. With Farrell balancing his responsibilities and insisting that his upcoming British & Irish Lions sabbatical won’t impact his plans for the year, the stage is set for an exciting and transformative Six Nations 2024 campaign. As the competition progresses, check back for additional information.
