Next cabs on the rank - Andy Farrell wants Ireland's fringe players to step up

Andy Farrell has encouraged Ireland’s Test hopefuls to stake their claims for inclusion in his 2026 Guinness Six Nations squad.

Brian Gleeson of Munster scoring a try. Pic:  ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Andy Farrell has encouraged Ireland’s fringe players and Test hopefuls to stake their claims for inclusion in his 2026 Guinness Six Nations squad between now and the end of January.

Saturday evening’s 24-13 defeat to reigning world champions South Africa offered a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made ahead of the 2027 World Cup, when the core of the head coach’s first-choice side will be in or approaching their mid-thirties. As he assessed the way forward he challenged the likes of Munster forwards Brian Gleeson and Edwin Edogbo, both uncapped, and Ulster lock/flanker Cormac Izuchukwu to make strong returns from the injuries that caused them to miss Ireland’s November camp.