Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

If we have a poor RWC in 2027 then there’s a chance the IRFU will argue that they need to change the mould slightly and do things differently to how they did it before, so I could absolutely see ROG being in the mix even if he never works in Irish rugby before then.

I would fully expect ROG to be in the mix and while he wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice, I would obviously support him 100% if he got the gig, and could easily see him doing a great job if he got it. He’s an excellent coach who can definitely pick a gameplan to maximise the strengths of his squad and he’s undoubtedly a superb motivator of players.

I think he should have left LAR last season when there seemed to be plenty of opportunities to do so as it looks like things have gotten stale there now.

I think JGP is that important that I actually wouldn't be that surprised if Ireland made an exception and kept picking him if he did go abroad.

As an Ulster fan I'd have absolutely no issues with ROG becoming the next head coach.

However, unlike at LAR, he can't suddenly find 145 kg Irish props or 6ft 8 135kg second rows or magic some mercurial backs with outstanding handling and running skills.

We've a relatively small playing group and it's fair to say we punch well above our weight in world rugby terms.

The IRFU aren't exactly known for their ability to look externally for the coaching ticket but I suppose none of us know what might happen if and when Andy decides to call it a day.

sounds like the same rubbish that he had a load of gambling debt in his playing days

he means he didn’t see the match but saw the score and found a reason to put the boot into a Leinster player.

Any thoughts on the JOB call up?

Certainly not deserved after Friday and thought there is enough cover with Osbourne and Stockdale in the squad is my own view. Not sure on that one.

Aki I hope is there for almost vibes at this stage. A good guy to have around camp on and match day but shouldn’t be in the match day squad. Henshaw aswell in is a bit of a head scratcher.

Could there be something in central contracts that says if fit, they must be called up? I could understand calling up 1, but both doesn’t make too much sense to me.