Six Nations 2026: No ‘pats on the back’ for Ireland after England win as focus shifts to Wales

Friday’s fixture carries personal resonance for Beirne. A two-year spell with the Scarlets proved transformative in his career, leading to his Ireland debut and a move to Munster in 2018.

Having won the Pro12 title with the Llanelli-based region in 2017, Beirne says he is “incredibly sad” to see current plans to cut the number of Welsh professional sides from four to three.

“There’s probably two or three players still there from when I was there – a big change in the guard,” he said.

“I haven’t really spoken to any of them about it. It’s a tough time. I do remember when I was there, there were whispers of the same thing happening.

“It just seems a little bit more serious at this point. I feel incredibly sad for all those individuals who have families and everything at home and it’s going to create a lot of pressure for those guys.”

Beirne added: “When you’re in these camps, you can use it and also you try to put it in the back of your mind at the same time because you have an opportunity to put on the jersey and represent your country.

“I think that’s what those guys will be doing. They’ll just be focusing on the rugby and trying to put their best performances out there and focus on the other stuff later.”