5 Ireland players Andy Farrell needs to give a chance before 2027 Rugby World Cup
It was the week of World Cup draws, and both the Ireland rugby and soccer teams found out their fates for their next World Cups.
While Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side is yet to confirm their place in North America next summer, Andy Farrell’s team has two years to prepare for their quest Down Under to finally win a Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
Since 2023, there has been a huge turnover in the Ireland squad, with Assistant Coach Johnny Sexton pointing out that nearly 600 caps worth of experience has left the squad this year alone. That has left plenty of spots open for young players to step up. We’ve recently talked about the likes of Joshua Kenny and Jude Postlethwaite as potential difference makers in the future, but here are five more players we think Andy Farrell should give a chance heading into 2027.
Darragh Murray playing for Ireland ‘A’ against Spain. Pic: Martin Seras Lima/INPHO
Darragh Murray
The 24-year-old Connacht second row is a favourite of Ireland coach Paul O’Connell, who told EXTRA that he was ‘a good footballer’ and had the temperament to call the lineout. He started in both of Ireland’s summer tests against Georgia and Portugal, so he is already familiar with the Ireland set-up.
With Ian Henderson in the twilight of his career and Tadhg Beirne needing to be managed ahead of the World Cup down under, it leaves chances for the likes of Murray and Edwin Edogbo to get meaningful minutes at the test level.
Scott Wilson. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Scott Wilson
With Tadhg Furlong playing some of his best rugby now at the age of 33, there’s no question that he should be going to the World Cup as of now. However, he’ll need to be protected and ensure he remains in good condition before heading to Australia. Thomas Clarkson and Finlay Bealham have both stepped up well when called upon for Ireland, but if Andy Farrell wants someone who may give Ireland a different edge, then Wilson needs a shot.
The Ulster prop is very dynamic for a big man, a powerful carrier and is the type of prop that can give a side huge energy off the bench. If he just builds upon his scrummaging, the 23-year-old can be a serious player in the years to come.
Fintan Gunne. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Fintan Gunne
With Jamison Gibson-Park likely heading to his last World Cup, Andy Farrell and Ireland need to start looking towards the future at scrum-half and in Craig Casey, they have a great player who can immediately fill in for JGP if he were to go down at any point. However, Gunne is another player who can make an impact for Ireland over the next two years.
Similar to Casey in terms of size, Gunne is a little but quicker than his Munster counterpart and also a very capable ball carrier too, as seen in his try during the URC Grand Final win for Leinster in June. He’s an exciting talent, and under the tutelage of Gibson-Park already at Leinster, he’s learning from the best.
Edwin Edogbo. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Edwin Edogbo
International test rugby is mainly a physical battle these days, especially when against the back-to-back World Champion Springboks, and there aren’t many players in World Rugby more suited to that physical battle than Edwin Edogbo. After nearly two years out, Edogbo has eased back into things at Thomond and has made an immediate impact on his return.
Ireland missed Joe McCarthy massively last November, and if Edogbo can stay healthy and get a run of games going, Ireland can rotate between the two of them and have one ultra-physical, massive lock on the pitch at all times, which will be crucial heading to Australia.
Brian Gleeson. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Brian Gleeson
Gleeson has been one of the most hyped talents in a while, having been part of that successful Ireland U20s team alongside Sam Prendergast and Paddy McCarthy, but unlike those two, the Tipperary man is yet to make the move up to the senior test level.
There’s plenty of competition in the number 8 position with Jack Conan and captain Caelan Doris, but as we saw in the Australia game, Doris is more than capable to line up in 7 if Josh van der Flier is unavailable. If that is to happen come the World Cup, then Gleeson will be the perfect player to have in the squad.
