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

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

Having won the Pro12 title with the Llanelli-based region in 2017, Byrne says he is “very sad” to see current plans to reduce the number of Welsh professional teams from four to three.

“There are probably two or three players still there from when I was there – a big changing of the guard,” he said.

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

He added: “It seems a little more serious at this point. I feel incredibly sad for all these individuals who have families and everything at home, and it will create a lot of stress on these people.”

Byrne added: “When you are in these camps, you use them and also try to put them in the back of your mind at the same time because you have the opportunity to put on the jersey and represent your country.

“I think that’s what these guys are going to do. They’re just going to focus on the rugby and try to put their best performances out there and focus on the other things later.”