New Zealand trip can't come soon enough for Farrell

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell celebrates Saturday's Triple Crown success with fans

Andy Farrell is optimistic he will be able to take an extended playing squad on tour to New Zealand this summer with two additional midweek games expected to be announced in addition to the confirmed three-Test series against the All Blacks.

Ireland have beaten the All Blacks three times in five meetings since 2016 but last toured New Zealand a decade ago in 2012 when Declan Kidney’s team ran them close in the second Test in Christchurch but were thumped 60-0 a week later in Hamilton.