Australia bound!
The World Cup in France does not feel so far in the past, but the next edition of the tournament is just under 2.5 years away when Australia will host their first since 2003.
With three recent retirement in the Ireland 23, and new faces expected in the upcoming summer tour, there is a sense that the wheels are in motion for a changing of the guard.
Our predicted side is speculative in parts with five uncapped players in the 23, but the majority of the team has significant experience, and we reckon it will be strong enough to at least break the quarter-final hoodoo.
Ireland 23 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup:
Loose head – Andrew Porter (31)
One of the easiest selection decisions to make in the team.
Currently Ireland’s most irreplaceable player and will still be in his prime during the next World Cup.
Hooker – Dan Sheehan (29)
At that age there is no reason why he shouldn’t be heading into the next World Cup as one of the tournament’s premier players.
Tight head – Tadhg Furlong (35)
His minutes will have to be managed over the coming seasons because it looks like he will be needed in 2027, given the lack of options coming up behind him.
A fourth World Cup beckons.
Lock – Edwin Edogbo (24)
Our first speculative choice, but with good reason.
If the Munster lock can get his injury issues in check, there is nobody in Ireland who can match his size and power at second row.
Lock – James Ryan (31)
A 36-and-a-half year old Tadhg Beirne could conceivably make the team, but Ryan is a more likely call, with his Leinster teammate Joe McCarthy offering impact off the bench.
He’s a player whose form has gone through significant peaks and troughs, but if he can time his rise correctly he should be on the team.
Blindside flanker – Tom Ahern (27)
Ahern seems to have lost his place in the Ireland pecking to Cormac Izuchukwu, mainly due to injury, and is still yet to be capped.
But if he can get his foot in the door and translate his provincial form to the international stage, he could become a stalwart.
Openisde flanker – Caelan Doris (29)
A shift in position for Ireland’s captain, but it shouldn’t have too much affect on his output or role, given that he all ready does the jobs of three men.
Number eight – Brian Gleeson (23)
You would like to think that if Munster and Ireland’s development pathways are functioning properly, then Ireland’s best ever U20s player should be at a standard high enough for the senior team in 2.5 years.
Scrum-half – Craig Casey (28)
A player who is currently on the verge of world-class pedigree.
He was really beginning to live up to his potential this season before his long-term injury but should have the jersey by 2027, with Jamison Gibson-Park taking on the Conor Murray role off the bench.
Out-half – Sam Prendergast (24)
With over two more years of gym work and growth under his belt, the ‘defensive liability’ tag will hopefully have work off.
Will be key to Ireland’s goals in Australia.
Left-wing – Jacob Stockdale (31)
Like Tadhg Beirne, a 35-year-old James Lowe could make the plane, and the team.
But we are banking on a Stockdale renaissance and a return to his 2018 form.
Inside centre – Hugh Gavin (23)
Jamie Osborne is the obvious and more realistic choice, with the experience he amassed in green.
But Connacht’s Gavin has excelled every time he has been asked to step up a level – U20s, Emerging Ireland, URC – and can continue to do so on the biggest stage.
Outside centre – Garry Ringrose (32)
An Osborne/Gavin pairing could work as well, but the defensive grit and experience of Ringrose should see him start.
James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, or Cathal Forde could feature, while Robbie Henshaw will only be 34.
Right wing – Mack Hansen (29)
Another of the more surefire selections, such is the lack of depth in the position.
Lets hope he can do damage in his native land.
Fullback – Hugo Keenan (31)
Osborne could also feature at 15, but it is so hard to back against the most consistent man in rugby.
Replacements:
– Rónan Kelleher (29)
– Jack Boyle (25)
– Tom O’Toole (29)
– Joe McCarthy (26)
– James McNabney (24)
– John Hodnett (28)
– Jamison Gibson-Park (35)
– Jack Crowley (27)
