We’ve come too Farr now to start over
IRELAND boss Andy Farrell will name his 2024 Six Nations squad today but admits Ireland’s championship will be about evolution rather than revolution.
The tournament marks the start of a new Test cycle after the last World Cup and, with Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls now retired, Mack Hansen recovering from shoulder surgery and Rob Herring expected to be ruled out, there will be some changes.
Calvin Nash and Tom Stewart will be included to plug the gaps in terms of Hansen and Herring.
But Farrell has decisions to make in a number of positions – particularly in terms of the back three and at out-half, where Jack Crowley is poised to start in the opener against France on February 2.
Ross Byrne has been out of action after arm surgery but Farrell may take a risk on the Leinster No.10, while his brother Harry Byrne has an ankle issue.
Their Leinster colleague Ciarán Frawley is likely to make the cut as he can play at out-half, centre or full-back.
Asked recently if this felt like a fresh start, Farrell replied: “No, it doesn’t. There’s no such story for us as wiping a slate clean or whatever it may be.
“It’s continuing to grow. Every single year somebody retires, somebody gets injured, somebody lacks form and somebody else comes through. It’s no different this year. We continue on our journey.”
The Ireland squad will once again spend several days in the Algarve in the build-up to the championship and that difficult opener in Marseille.
Farrell’s side were Grand Slam winners last year and the head coach said: “It seems a lifetime ago now.
“There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then but it is important to reflect on your times together as a team because a Grand Slam is hard to come by. We all know that.
“That’s what sport is. A team can bond for life because of the things it has gone through.
“I can start here and speak all night with regards to the Six Nations, the first win away to Wales, the fantastic game against France, the Italy game and then the win in
Scotland and the last day too.”