Ireland has more out-half options than at any point in the last decade, but opinions on pecking order vary wildly depending on who you ask. This is one ranking — a straight, honest depth chart based on current form, reliability, potential, and what each player brings heading into the end of 2025.

Below is Joe’s personal ranking of the top 10 Irish-qualified 10s, in order, with clear factual context for each.

1. Harry Byrne

Byrne has finally had a long, uninterrupted run of games, and his control, kicking accuracy, and game-management have matured massively. When fully fit, he is one of the most composed out-halves in Ireland, and his skillset suits modern test rugby.

2. Sam Prendergast

Still young, still developing, but his ceiling is enormous. Prendergast brings creativity, long passing range, and a booming left boot. He is already a central figure in Leinster’s long-term planning and continues to grow into the shirt.

3. Jack Crowley

Crowley remains a high-quality operator with strong all-round fundamentals. He has plenty of big-game mileage with Munster and remains one of Ireland’s safest and most experienced options in the position.

4. Ciarán Frawley

Frawley is the most versatile back in the country — able to play 10, 12, and 15. That flexibility sometimes pushes him out of the pure 10 conversation, but his distribution, kicking game, and control make him a top-tier option when needed.

5. Casper Gabriel

A young talent who has gathered momentum through provincial development systems. Gabriel is still very much a prospect, but his potential is the reason he ranks this high. Strong technically and highly rated by those who have watched him closely.

6. JJ Hanrahan

The experienced head on the list. Hanrahan has played in multiple leagues, understands the position inside out, and remains a reliable, steady 10 who can step in and control a game with maturity.

7. Jack McGrath

Another player viewed as a developing option with a tidy kicking game and good tactical shape. Still progressing, but clearly talented enough to be included in the national discussion as depth builds.

8. Sean Naughton

A younger option, improving year on year. Shows sharp decision-making, good organisation, and has the raw tools to push further up the rankings with more game time and refinement.

9. Jack Carty

One of the most experienced out-halves in the country. While others have overtaken him in long-term projection, Carty’s passing range and composure keep him relevant and useful in any ranking.

10. Tony Butler

Still early in his senior career, but progressing well. Butler has shown confidence and solid fundamentals, earning his place on the list as another promising Munster-developed 10 with room to grow.

The post List of Top 10 at Number 10: Irish Rugby Players at Out-Half appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Following his latest meeting with the specialist, the 24-year-old playmaker has been advised to take further steps in rehabilitating his ankle, and to delay his return to rugby.

Speaking about the latest update, Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “As disappointing as the latest news is, we have Joey at the centre of it all, going through this, and doing everything right in making sure that when he returns to the pitch he stays on the pitch.

“That’s what we all want at the end of this, and undoubtedly it has been a tough blow for him, but he has shown great resilience already and will do everything that’s asked of him for this next phase also.

“A serious injury like his can heal in different ways and now that we’re moving into the return to rugby stage the ankle isn’t where it should be in hitting those next markers.

“David (Nucifora), Andy (Farrell) and I spoke with Joey last week and all want what’s best for him. We know his standing in the province and Irish rugby and how important he is to us all. Our priority is to look after him. He is a young man with huge sporting talent and a bright future, we are here to support Joey at every stage giving him the time he needs.

“There is a lot of rugby to be played in the coming season and we look forward to welcoming Joey back when he is fully recovered.”

Joey Carbey added: “It’s an incredibly frustrating time at the moment, but I am making good progress over the last couple of weeks.

“Even though the ankle isn’t where it needs to be just yet, I’ve full confidence it will heal and be pain-free soon, and I will be back better than ever. I just need time right now.

“I’d like to say thank you to the IRFU and Munster for their continued support and for having my back throughout it all.

“I’d also like to thank my girlfriend Robyn and my family for always being there when I need them.

“Lastly, to the fans, I’m so excited to get back out in front of you guys. It’s going to be such an exciting season ahead and I cannot wait to see where we can go as a squad. Hopefully, we will all be back in Thomond Park soon together.”

In other player news, Tadhg Beirne has resumed team training this week following a low-grade leg injury.

Continuing to rehab: Joey Carbery (ankle), Mike Haley (calf), Dan Goggin (ankle), Roman Salanoa (abdominal).

The post Joey Carberry faces another long term Injury rehabilitation appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.