Irish rugby star Alan Quinlan says Ballynahinch RFC player Zac Ward is one to watch for in the Six Nations campaign
The excitement is building up now for the Six Nations rugby tournament which will run from the 5-14th February 2026 involving Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and France.
Who are the fresh names we might see?
Alan Quinlan:Â “Zac Ward has been outstanding for Ulster this season and he’s someone that’s come into the mix.
“Mack Hansen has been a loss. Jamie Osborne is a brilliant footballer, possibly moving into the centre positions, it’s probably a more natural position for him.
“Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson are two young players from Munster who were in the squad for November. Paddy McCarthy came in and did really well.
“Ryan Baird will be back as well. If they get their best team and luck on the injury front, they’re definitely a team that can challenge for a Six Nations, but they are probably just that level below the top two at the moment.
Andy Farrell and Ireland need to get a spark back in their attack
Alan Quinlan:Â “There were a lot of questions asked of Andy Farrell in November. There’s the Sam Prendergast vs. Jack Crowley situation, and Ireland have stagnated a little bit.
“My hope is to see a spark back in their attack. The game has changed; stats show territory is far more effective than overplaying in your own half.
“But I’d love to see Ireland’s attack click a little bit more. We’ve seen glimpses. Losing three games isn’t a disaster, but the expectation for the level they were at for 2022 and 2023 brings scrutiny.
“I”reland’s pool of players is small. It’s difficult to find players in key positions that make a real difference straight away. Particularly the centres – Gary Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki have been around a long time. There is a little bit of predictability about it.”
