Six Nations 2026: Troubles mount for Ireland and Andy Farrell ahead of France’s opener

Having missed last year’s Six Nations due to commitments with the British and Irish Lions, Ireland coach Andy Farrell was quickly reminded of the headaches that are part and parcel of the team’s pre-tournament preparation.

Farrell, of course, is no stranger to team-related pressures. In 2023, both Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy withdrew through injury from the tour squad just hours before Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Ireland won that match 34-10 and went on to secure the Grand Slam, but preparing for next week’s opening match against defending champions France in Paris has been particularly difficult.

At least some issues emerged early on. In early December, Connacht said it would be “definitely months” before Mack Hansen, a solid option at wing or full-back, returned from a foot injury.

But problems have continued to mount for Farrell since he named a 37-man squad on January 21.

With Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy already sidelined, Farrell’s hand was further weakened when Jack Puel pulled out of the squad after sustaining a leg injury in Leinster’s win over Connacht last weekend.

Given Ireland’s painful evening against South Africa in November, her absence may be keenly felt.

Munster’s Tom Ahern also pulled out, with uncapped Billy Bohan and Cormac Isochukwu brought in, but further problems arose after Ireland arrived in Portugal for their usual pre-tournament training camp.

Having already admitted his injury list is “bigger than usual”, Farrell has lost full-back Hugo Keenan to a broken thumb.

Keenan’s injury to the training pitches is a harsh blow for the 29-year-old having only just returned from a groin problem that has kept him out of action since his star player turned black last summer.

As the fly-half debate continues, the number 15 is now an issue for Farrell. Jimmy Osborne started there against New Zealand and Japan in November, and while in the team, he has not played since the win over the Brave Blossoms.

Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale, Leinster’s Ciarán Frawley and Munster’s Jack Crawley – who is also battling Sam Prendergast and Harry Byrne for the No.10 jersey – are all options for Farrell to consider.