Farrell Names Ireland Squad for Gallagher Cup and Quilter Nations Series

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Men’s Squad, sponsored by Vodafone, for the Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand in Chicago and the upcoming Quilter Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Ireland open their packed Autumn window with a Soldier Field rematch against New Zealand on Saturday, 1 November, before returning home to face Japan, Australia, and South Africa across three consecutive weekends in Dublin.

Doris to Captain Ireland

Caelan Doris will captain the side, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy earns his first call-up and could make his Test debut.

Connacht winger Shayne Bolton, who won his first cap against Portugal during the summer, joins uncapped Munster forwards Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson as travelling cover for the Chicago fixture.

Notable absentees include Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy, Calvin Nash, and Cormac Izuchukwu, who were unavailable for selection through injury.

The squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, 20 October, before flying to Chicago on Tuesday, 21 October.

Gallagher Cup and Quilter Nations Series Fixtures

The Gallagher Cup:
• Saturday, 1 November: Ireland v New Zealand – Soldier Field, Chicago (3.10pm local / 8.10pm Irish)

The Quilter Nations Series:
• Saturday, 8 November: Ireland v Japan – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (12.40pm)
• Saturday, 15 November: Ireland v Australia – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm)
• Saturday, 22 November: Ireland v South Africa – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (5.40pm)

Tickets for the Australia and South Africa matches are now sold out, with limited availability for the opener against Japan.

Farrell Excited by the Challenge Ahead

“There’s an exciting look to the panel and a great blend of experience and youth,” said Andy Farrell.
“We’ve got players returning from injury, others pushing through after strong summers, and now an opportunity for everyone to stake their claim heading into a massive year for Irish rugby.”

Farrell acknowledged the demanding nature of the November schedule, with four southern hemisphere opponents in succession, adding:

“New Zealand in Chicago will be special. It’s a city where we’ve had great memories before, and I’m sure the Irish fans in the US will turn out in force. Then it’s back to the Aviva for three world-class Tests in front of an incredible home crowd.”

Age Profile: Experience and Balance – but an Eye on 2027

The overall average age of Ireland’s 34-man squad is 27.1 years, with the forwards averaging 26.5 and the backs 27.6.

That blend gives Farrell’s team a balance of experience and physical peak heading into this Test window. However, looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Ireland’s backline will be older than ideal. By then, stars like Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, and Jamison Gibson-Park will all be in their early to mid-30s, placing greater importance on the emergence of younger talents such as Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast.

Farrell and his coaching staff will be keen to see how those younger options handle top-tier opposition this autumn, as Ireland’s evolution towards the next World Cup cycle continues.

Broadcast Details

Gallagher Cup (v New Zealand): Virgin Media One (ROI) / TNT Sports (UK)
Quilter Nations Series: RTÉ (ROI) / TNT Sports (UK)

Ireland Squad – November 2025

Forwards (19):
Thomas Ahern, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy*, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.

Backs (15):
Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale.

*Denotes uncapped player

Average squad age: 27.1 years
Average forwards age: 26.5 years
Average backs age: 27.6 years

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A Brand-New Format

The tournament is moving away from the traditional 20-team model used since 2003. Instead, six pools of four teams will decide the qualifiers, with the top two in each pool plus the four best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 16. This guarantees more knockout rugby and extra drama.

The total number of matches rises from 48 to 52, but the tournament will actually be shorter — 43 days compared to 50 in 2023 — thanks to streamlined scheduling and even pools of four, which eliminate rest weekends during the pool stage.

No More Protected Status

In previous World Cups, automatically qualified teams were guaranteed not to be seeded lower than 12th. That safety net has been scrapped. The December draw will now use World Rugby rankings only. Ireland’s position in Band 1 is safe for now, but there is no longer any “protection” — slip in the rankings, and the consequences could be severe.

Seeding Bands (Projected)

If the draw were held today, the four seeding bands might look like this:

• Band 1: New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, France, England, Australia (host)
• Band 2: Argentina, Scotland, Fiji, Italy, Georgia, Wales
• Band 3: Japan, Samoa, Spain, Portugal, Tonga, USA
• Band 4: Uruguay, Romania, Chile, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Hong Kong China

Note: Australia are automatically placed in Pool A as host nation.

A Likely Irish Pool

One plausible scenario would see Ireland drawn in Pool A alongside Australia. Using the projected bands, here’s how that could look:

Pool A – Hypothetical Draw
Ireland (Band 1)
Australia (Host / Band 1)
Georgia (Band 2)
Spain (Band 3)

This group would offer a huge showdown with the Wallabies, a classic forward battle with Georgia, and a first-ever World Cup clash against Spain — one of Europe’s most improved sides. Ireland would be favourites to top the pool, but the margin for error is slim.

The Knockout Path Explained

The introduction of the Round of 16 means the bracket works differently depending on which pool you win. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Pools A–D winners: face a third-placed team in the Round of 16, but could meet another pool winner as early as the quarter-finals.
• Pools E & F winners: face a runner-up in the Round of 16, but crucially avoid another pool winner until the semi-final.

That small structural quirk could be decisive. Ireland in Pool A would enjoy an “easier” first knockout, but face a heavyweight immediately after. If placed in Pool E or F, they might face stiffer resistance in the Round of 16 but have a clearer run to the last four.

“The winners of Pools E and F have the most favourable knockout pathway. For Ireland, avoiding another top seed until the semi-final could be game-changing.”

Hypothetical Other Pools

For context, here’s how the rest of the tournament could shape up in this projection:

• Pool B: New Zealand, Argentina, Japan, Uruguay
• Pool C: South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, Romania
• Pool D: France, Wales, Fiji, Chile
• Pool E: England, Italy, Tonga, Namibia
• Pool F: Remaining Band 1 side, Portugal, USA, Hong Kong China

This setup creates enticing matchups like France v Fiji, South Africa v Scotland and England v Tonga, while also spreading the Tier Two nations across competitive pools.

What It Means for Ireland

Ireland’s path will depend heavily on which pool they land in. If they are locked into Pool A with hosts Australia, they will likely face a third-place side in the Round of 16 before clashing with a powerhouse like South Africa or France in the quarters. However, if the draw places them in Pool E or F, the door to a semi-final could be considerably more open.

The bigger picture is clear: Ireland can no longer fear just the quarter-finals. To win a World Cup, they must now string together four consecutive knockout victories — Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final. It’s a test of depth, composure and consistency unlike anything they’ve faced before.

Ticketing and Fan Interest

With games spread across seven Australian cities — Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle and Townsville — Irish supporters are already planning their trips. Presale tickets open in February 2026, with general applications in May 2026. If Ireland are in Pool A, expect huge Irish support in Perth and Sydney, where the diaspora is strongest.

Final Word

For Ireland, the 2027 Rugby World Cup represents both opportunity and jeopardy. The scrapping of protective seeding has raised the stakes, but the expanded format gives Farrell’s squad a real chance to build knockout momentum. Whether they are drawn into Pool A with Australia or land in Pool E/F with a smoother path, the message is simple: Ireland’s destiny will be shaped in Sydney on 3 December 2025.

For once, the so-called “quarter-final curse” might not even be the biggest talking point — instead, it could be whether Ireland have the resilience to handle four elimination games in six weeks and finally lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

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When is the Draw?

The official draw takes place in Sydney on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. For Ireland, currently sitting second in the world rankings, this date will be crucial. The new seeding system means every ranking point matters in the run-up to December — and for once, there will be no safety net.

No More Protected Status

In previous World Cups, the 12 automatically qualified teams could not be ranked lower than 12th when bands for the draw were formed. That protection has been scrapped. Ireland’s position in Band 1 is secure right now, but it reinforces the need to stay among the world’s elite over the next two seasons. One slip in the rankings could see them face an even tougher path.

How the Format Works

Here’s the breakdown of Rugby World Cup 2027:

• 24 teams instead of 20
• 6 pools of 4 teams each
• Top two teams from each pool qualify automatically for the Round of 16
• Four best third-placed teams also progress
• 52 matches across 43 days (shorter than 2023 but with more knockout drama)
• 7 Australian host cities: Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Newcastle and Townsville

This format mirrors the UEFA European Championships in football — adding jeopardy while keeping player welfare intact with a guaranteed five rest days between fixtures.

Round of 16: How It Plays Out

The biggest change is the addition of a Round of 16. Here’s how it works:

• 4 ties: Pool winners v third-place teams
• 2 ties: Pool winners v pool runners-up
• 2 ties: runners-up v runners-up

For Ireland, this means topping the pool doesn’t always guarantee an easier run. Depending on the draw, they could face a dangerous third-place team (think Fiji, Argentina or Scotland in past tournaments) or a seasoned runner-up. The reward of topping the pool is still significant, but there are no soft touches anymore.

What It Means for Ireland

Ireland’s World Cup history is well documented: eight quarter-final exits and counting. The introduction of a Round of 16 means Farrell’s side must now clear an extra knockout hurdle before reaching the quarter-finals — but crucially, it might help break the “curse.”

If Ireland win their pool, they are likely to meet a third-placed side in the Round of 16, which could be a more favourable matchup than previous quarter-final draws against the likes of New Zealand or Argentina. Win that, and the path opens to a quarter-final that may be less daunting than in past formats.

“Ireland have consistently been one of the best teams in the world outside of World Cup knockouts. This new format gives them two shots at building momentum before the traditional quarter-final hurdle. It could finally be their chance to go deep.” – Rugby Analyst View

Qualified Teams So Far

Auto-qualified (top three from 2023 pools):

France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina, Japan.

Qualified via tournaments:

Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, United States, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China.

Final qualifier (to be decided in Dubai): Namibia, Belgium, Samoa, Brazil/Paraguay winner.

Ireland’s Possible Pools

With Australia fixed in Pool A as hosts, Ireland could be drawn directly alongside the Wallabies. That could reignite a classic rivalry, with the sides last meeting at a World Cup in 2011 when Ireland famously beat the hosts in Auckland.

Other scenarios could see Ireland grouped with dangerous mid-tier teams like Fiji, Georgia or Portugal — all capable of an upset. The removal of protections means no pool will be straightforward.

Tournament at a Glance

• Opening Game: 1 October 2027, Perth Stadium
• Total Matches: 52
• Total Duration: 43 days (shorter than 2023’s 50)
• Potential Irish Fixtures: 3 pool matches + up to 4 knockout matches
• Path to the Final: Pool stage → Round of 16 → Quarter-final → Semi-final → Final

Tickets

Irish fans can begin planning their trip. A closed presale for those who register at rugbyworldcup.com/2027 opens in February 2026, with a general application phase in May 2026. Expect huge demand for Sydney and Melbourne fixtures, while Ireland fans may also be sent to Perth or Brisbane depending on the draw.

Final Thought

For Ireland, the 2027 Rugby World Cup offers both risk and opportunity. The removal of protections means nothing can be taken for granted, but the expanded knockout stages may finally give the squad a chance to build confidence across multiple elimination games rather than being thrown straight into a quarter-final against one of the game’s superpowers.

With a squad that blends seasoned stars and a new generation, the next two years of preparation will define whether Ireland can rewrite history in Australia.

The post Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw: What the New Format Means for Ireland appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting: France Now a Smart Bet After Statement Win Over Ireland

With just over two years to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Australia, the odds are starting to shift – and not without reason. Following a massive Six Nations 2025 statement from France, including a dominant victory over Ireland, Les Bleus may now be the value pick in the outright market.

Latest Odds Overview

According to Paddy Power, the early favourites remain the usual suspects. New Zealand lead the way at 5/2, closely followed by South Africa at 3/1. The Springboks will look to defend their title and become the first nation to win five World Cups.

Ireland and France are next in line at 5/1 – but after France’s crushing of Ireland in this year’s Six Nations, those odds might not last long.

Why France Could Be the Smart Backing

France’s win over Ireland wasn’t just impressive – it was a warning shot to the rest of the world. With a squad boasting depth, youth, and flair, and the hurt of their home quarter-final exit in 2023 still lingering, Fabien Galthié’s side appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.

With talismanic figures like Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Gregory Alldritt in their prime, the French blend physical dominance with attacking precision. Their performance in 2025 suggests they’ve put past heartbreak behind them – and 5/1 could look generous in hindsight.

Hosts and Long Shots

Australia, the 2027 hosts, sit at 7/1 – a reflection of their rebuilding status after a disastrous 2023 campaign. England follow at 10/1, but inconsistency continues to dog them.

At 33/1, both Argentina and Fiji look tempting each-way options, especially given their strong World Cup pedigree and explosive backlines.

Wales (40/1) and Scotland (50/1) are drifting, while Italy (425/1) and the rest (500/1) remain unlikely champions.

Verdict: Back Les Bleus

If you’re looking for timing and value, this could be the moment to back France at 5/1. Their form in the 2025 Six Nations, particularly the demolition of Ireland, shows a side with serious intent. Add to that a settled coaching ticket and a generational squad, and it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall: France are coming.

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1. Caelan Doris: A Referee Conundrum Ireland Must Solve

Caelan Doris remains one of Ireland’s most respected and consistent performers. However, a strange pattern has emerged: certain referees seem to take issue with him. Whether it’s his timing at the breakdown, interpretation of laws, or just poor communication, Doris is drawing whistles too often. Ireland must address this before it costs them in a big game. A clearer approach with referees could turn this into a non-issue.

2. Andy Farrell’s Loyalty or Lack of Depth?

Head coach Andy Farrell faces increasing scrutiny for sticking with senior players who may be past their peak. Critics argue that the time has come to blood younger talent. But maybe the reality is harsher – perhaps the next generation isn’t quite ready. Either way, this selection dilemma is stalling progress and could hurt Ireland’s preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

3. Where Are Ireland’s Try-Scorers?

Scoring tries is Ireland’s Achilles heel right now. Tom Farrell leads the United Rugby Championship (URC) with six tries, and Caelan Doris – a back-row forward – tops the current Ireland starters with just four tries this season. That’s a major red flag. Less club-level rotation and a more settled backline might help, but Ireland need to identify a clinical finisher soon.

4. It’s Time to Back Ireland’s Young Talent

Ireland’s third-place finish in the Six Nations looks almost guaranteed, making next week’s trip to Italy a perfect opportunity to test new faces. Players like Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, and Matthew Devine deserve a chance. They’ve shown form, promise, and the kind of spark that Ireland is currently lacking. Even if they’re not long-term starters, they can inject fresh energy.

5. Sam Prendergast and the Aviva Embarrassment

In one of the more bizarre moments of the weekend, Sam Prendergast paused the restart of the second half for over 30 seconds while a song blared over the tannoy at the Aviva Stadium. It was meant to lift the atmosphere, but instead felt forced and awkward. This is international rugby – the theatre matters, but the rugby must come first.

6. Prendergast vs Crowley: World Cup 2027 Watch Begins

With the next World Cup firmly on the horizon, Sam Prendergast’s age becomes a huge asset. There’s little separating him from Jack Crowley in terms of ability right now, and both are expected to tour with Ireland this summer. That series could go a long way in shaping Ireland’s long-term future at out-half.

7. Under-20s in Trouble – But Not Doomed

Ireland’s U20 team is missing several key players and struggling to hit top form. But all is not lost. With time and hopefully a full squad, they could peak at the U20 World Championship this summer. This group has potential – they just need rhythm and some injury luck.

Conclusion:

This week highlighted some critical challenges for Irish rugby: a shortage of finishers, refereeing frustrations, and the ongoing question of how – and when – to integrate the next generation. There are positives, too. The likes of Prendergast, Forde, and Bolton offer real hope, and third place in the Six Nations isn’t a disaster. But with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in the distance and plenty of rugby to come, now is the time to act.

The post What We Learned This Week: 7 Talking Points from Ireland’s Rugby Week appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to confirm Mack Hansen has signed a two-year contract extension ⁰ #OneConnacht pic.twitter.com/LvmQ6aYgUI

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 3, 2025

Since making his Test debut against Wales in February 2022, Hansen has been a standout performer in Ireland’s back three. The 25-year-old has earned 27 caps and crossed the whitewash 12 times, cementing his status as one of the most exciting attacking threats in the game.

Hansen’s meteoric rise saw him nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in his first international season. His decision to remain in Ireland is another boost for Andy Farrell’s squad as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.

Having joined Connacht in 2021, Hansen has made 38 appearances for the province, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Galway and beyond.

Speaking about his contract extension, Hansen said:

“Since moving to Ireland, I’ve loved every minute, and I’m delighted to sign this new contract. Playing for Connacht and Ireland means a huge amount to me, and I feel like I’ve developed massively thanks to the coaching and structures here. There’s a lot to play for this season, and my focus is on finishing strongly with both club and country. I’d like to thank the IRFU for their faith in me, and I’m really excited for the future.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also welcomed the news:

“Mack has been a key player for Ireland and Connacht in recent years, and securing his future is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He’s a proven performer who thrives on the big stage and is a firm favourite with fans. We believe there’s still more to come from him, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to progress.”

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