Stander backs Ireland to rebuild and go again despite changing of the guard

Stander believes Farrell’s squad can only grow stronger for their experience over the last two months and will not be encumbered by World Cup history at the 2027 edition in Australia.

REBUILD JOB: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell before the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match at Stade de France. Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

CJ Stander has backed Ireland to rebuild under Andy Farrell and finally reach at least a World Cup semi-final, despite a changing of the guard for the next four-year cycle.

Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final hoodoo struck once more in France last month as New Zealand ended hopes of a breakthrough to a first last-four appearance in tournament history with a 28-24 victory in Paris three weeks ago.