'Hopefully this experience will stand to us' - Andy Farrell relishing new-look Ireland's challenge in France

The Ireland boss saw no point in sugar-coating the situation as he announced his team in the French capital on Tuesday.

LOOKING UP: Ireland Head coach Andy Farrell. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Injuries, retirements and a suspension have all dealt Andy Farrell a depleted hand approaching Ireland’s 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign, but the head coach is relishing the challenge and the potential lessons to be learned from his new-look team to face France on Thursday night.

Back-three stars Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan, centre Robbie Henshaw, props Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle, and flanker Ryan Baird are all missing injured from this Stade de France encounter.