Six Nations 2026: Ireland’s injury list ‘larger than normal’ before France opener, says Andy Farrell

Ireland come into this year’s championship off the back of an underwhelming 2025 in which they relinquished the Six Nations title to France and endured a mixed autumn with defeats by New Zealand and South Africa and victories over Japan and Australia.

And Farrell – who did not coach Ireland in last year’s Six Nations because of his British and Irish Lions commitments – has urged his squad to learn from the November Tests.

“Different type of season for us. No excuses, it’s just a matter of making sure we learn from how we keep evolving as a team.

“Obviously the game is changing as well, moving with the times of that and sorting out a few things like our discipline.

“People are getting caught up with how much the ball is being kicked at this moment in time, but I still believe there’s the scope for some good rugby along the way as well.”

Farrell led Ireland to the Grand Slam in 2023 and another title in 2024, and while interim boss Simon Easterby secured the Triple Crown last year, the head coach has his sights set on reclaiming top spot from France.

“It’s about growing as a group and learning from the experience, but at the same time we like winning,” said the 50-year-old.

“That’s pretty important but we’ll see where we are after the first game.”