Can Ireland thrive without Andy Farrell? – Six Nations talking points
Can Ireland thrive without Andy Farrell? – Six Nations talking points
Share:
The 2025 Guinness Six Nations kicks off in Paris under the Stade de France floodlights on January 31 when Les Bleus tackle Wales. Five rounds of fascinating action are set to unfold, with the bookmakers installing title holders Ireland as favourites, closely followed by France, while England are a furlong or two behind in third.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points ahead of the tournament. England are seeking a resurgence after losing seven of their last 10 Tests, including three in a row at Allianz Stadium, but have been presented with a brutal series of fixtures to revive their fortunes. A clash with Ireland in Dublin and home appointments with France and Scotland have the potential to create more problems for Steve Borthwick as he battles to prove he is the right man to lead the team into the 2027 World Cup. Maro Itoje’s promotion to the captaincy at the expense of Jamie George is an indication of the pressure Borthwick is under, but the head coach will need more than a change of leader to inspire a turnaround.
Ireland are bidding to become the first country to win three consecutive Six Nations titles. But their quest for history will take place in the absence of influential head coach Andy Farrell. The Englishman, who masterminded a Grand Slam success in 2023 and was only denied a repeat of that feat last year by a last-gasp Marcus Smith drop-goal in a 23-22 loss to England, has temporarily handed the reins to defence coach Simon Easterby as he prepares to lead the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Interim boss Easterby feels his players are “up for the challenge” but knows they must hit the ground running.
