Ireland's Six Nations squad raises as many questions as answers

That’s a hefty chunk of talent removed from the chess board as Farrell takes this squad to Quinta do Lago in Portugal on Sunday ahead of an historic Thursday night opening to the Six Nations against France in Paris early next month

Andy Farrell hand was forced with up to 10 major squad injuries. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The 37-man Ireland Six Nations squad Andy Farrell named on Wednesday raises as many questions as answers.

That could be seen as a good thing given past criticisms of conservatism in selection. This latest collective includes ten players who weren’t involved last November for one reason or another.