Last Friday night at the Aviva Stadium was the latest in a string of disappointing big time moments for Irish Rugby. Letting slip their impressive 19-game home winning streak as a far from vintage All Blacks side claimed a 23-13 victory. But Ireland’s loss wasn’t just a matter of being outplayed by the New Zealanders; it revealed some deeper issues within Irish Rugby. The lack of atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium, the reliance on veteran players, and an increasingly Leinster-heavy selection process are all concerns that threaten the future of the national team.
Rocking Landsdowne to soulless Aviva
Now seemingly a generation removed from the rocking days of Lansdowne Road when Willie Anderson stared down the All Blacks with the nation behind him. Friday’s clash reaffirmed the Aviva as one of the most disappointing international venues in International Rugby. Facing the side that dumped them out of the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, the Irish side had to urge those in the stands to get behind them in what a bitterly disappointing atmosphere. Such was the lack of interest in the on field product, that fans streamed out of their seats with ten minutes to play ahead of both half-time and full-time with the battle for priority at the bar outweighing the one of the pitch.
For this the IRFU need to take responsibility with much of this issue coming down to accessibility and the cost of attending games. Dedicated fans from across Ireland—particularly Munster, Connacht, and Ulster—are finding it increasingly difficult to attend matches, with ticket prices often out of reach and a Friday evening kick-off only compounded this issue. What’s more, the local fan base that can afford to attend doesn’t always bring the same intensity to the game, making the atmosphere feel more like a social event where bank loans and mortgages are discussed in place of play-by-play commentary by passionate fans rugby. One such example came in the 36th minute right next to the press box where this writer was sitting as 17 young adults fixed to their phones walk out of their seats in the direction of the bar. At this point, my mind was cast back to the hilariously depressing scene in ‘The Inbetweeners Movie” where the four lads ended up in an empty night club. This thought was made ever more apt as the Irish players continually gestured to the crowd to get involved as if mimicking Will McKenzie’s side-to-side gallop across the dance floor to four unfortunate ladies. The result of incidents like this offer a snapshot of a stadium experience that feels sterile and lacks the passion of Ireland’s core supporters.
To rebuild the Aviva’s identity as a fortress, the IRFU should make a concerted effort to make matches more affordable and accessible to fans from all parts of Ireland. Even if this means reducing ticket prices and improving transport options for those outside of Dublin. Irish Rugby’s “Team of Us” slogan is meant to embody the idea of a nation united behind one team, but if the Aviva remains inaccessible to most fans, the motto starts to ring hollow.
Progress stoppers halt impact options
Andy Farrell’s loyalty to Ireland’s veteran players has been a defining aspect of his coaching approach, and it’s brought consistency to the team. But as the squad’s aging core continues to be leaned on heavily, it’s becoming clear that Ireland is missing a chance to develop younger players who could inject energy and new skills into the lineup. The loss against the All Blacks highlighted how Ireland’s reliance on seasoned veterans may be hindering the team’s evolution.
Players like Cian Healy, Conor Murray, Iain Henderson, and Peter O’Mahony have been outstanding servants to Irish Rugby. Yet in a game where Ireland looked sluggish, their limitations were clear. Instead of stacking his squad with players capable of chasing a game, Farrell opted for tried and tested game managers. Adding to the disappointment of this decision was the eerily similar feeling to Ireland’s quarterfinal exit at last year’s World Cup. The latest in Ireland’s quarterfinal failings showed the dangers of relying too heavily on the same core players. That match, coupled with Friday’s loss, shows that Farrell’s “go-to” players do not have the same impact they once did.
To rectify this issue it would appear the only answer is for the IRFU to support Farrell in making squad selections that prioritise development as much as immediate wins. Players like Munster’s Calvin Nash and Shane Daly, who excel under the high ball, have proven their ability at the provincial level, yet they aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve in the national setup. John Hodnett, a hard-hitting back-rower also from Munster, could play a similar role to Josh van der Flier but he too has been overlooked.
In Connacht, Cathal Forde and Ben Murphy bring energy and potential, and they could add depth to the Irish squad whilst their provincial captain Cian Prendergast, plays a style of rugby similar to Peter O’Mahony’s, making him a natural fit for the number six jersey in both the short and long term.
Ireland’s post derby weekend 23 for All Blacks November match at the Aviva Stadium
From Leinster Ryan Baird, with his athleticism and versatility, should already be a regular squad member, while Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu has the physical presence and dynamism to make an impact either off the bench or as a starter. In order to avoid the well trodden path to another disappointing Rugby World Cup, now is the time to back promising young players and shift away from an over-reliance on those who are at this point progress stoppers.
The solution is clear: the IRFU should empower Farrell to build a squad for the future, even if it means taking some short-term risks. Relying solely on veterans to secure week-to-week victories will hinder the development of Ireland’s next generation, and it may cost Ireland when it matters most in the years to come.
Team of one but not all
While Leinster’s success at the club level is undeniable, there’s a growing perception that Ireland’s national team has become too Leinster-centric. An over-reliance on Leinster players has raised concerns among those from outside the hallowed walls of Dublin four. In the other regions that make up the national team, fans in Munster, Connacht, and Ulster, feel that the national team selection is becoming unbalanced. This issue is threatening to create a disconnect between the national team and fans from outside of Leinster.
The reality is that Leinster does produce exceptional players. However, when 50/50 selection calls consistently go in favour of Leinster players, it’s understandable that other provinces feel overlooked. For example, the pairing of Nash and Daly from are among the best in the Northern Hemisphere under the high ball making them tailormade for the latest iteration of World Rugby’s laws. In the front row, Jeremy Loughman has been exceptional despite the turmoil engulfing Munster and in no uncertain terms deserves to be selected of a 37-year-old Cian Healy.
Ulster’s Michael Lowry is a dynamic and pacy fullback that could add a new dimension to Ireland’s backline, especially if the team adopts a blitz defensive system as it appears they will. Lowry’s ability to cover the backfield could mimic South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, who excel in transitioning defence into attack. Jude Postlethwaite, another Ulster talent, has shown he could be a natural challenger for Garry Ringrose’s spot at outside centre, adding crucial depth in a position where Ireland needs it.
In the forwards, players like Cian Prendergast and Cormac Izuchukwu offer the dynamism and physicality that Ireland often lacks off the bench. .
Irish Rugby is strongest when the team draws from the best talent across all four provinces, not just Leinster. By making selection decisions that better reflect the entire country’s rugby strength, the IRFU can foster a true “Team of Us” identity that resonates with fans everywhere. Otherwise, the risk is that fans from outside of Leinster may start to feel alienated from a team that’s supposed to represent all of Ireland.
Fixable issues
The challenges facing Irish Rugby are not insurmountable. Rebuilding the Aviva’s atmosphere, addressing the over-reliance on veteran players, and creating a fair, nationwide selection process are all achievable goals that would strengthen the national team’s future are all things that are perfectly achievable.
The IRFU must find ways to make the Aviva more accessible, bringing back the passionate fans that gave the stadium its fortress-like reputation. Farrell should be given the freedom to prioritise player development and build a team with long-term potential, rather than always favouring veterans for immediate gains. And finally, Irish Rugby must make selection decisions that reflect the best of all four provinces, ensuring the squad truly represents the country as a whole.
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