But while he constantly referred to freshening up his team for Saturday’s meeting with England at Twickenham (kick-off 2.10pm), he clearly had earmarked this one for his more grizzled and gnarled players too. Yet, staggeringly, whereas the bookies pretty much deemed the 2022 match a 50-50 encounter, Ireland were 12-point favourites and England were 4-1 to win when victorious two years ago. Now Ireland are back in their more traditional role of underdogs, regarded as better suiting the Irish psyche, as Farrell appreciates, but to his irritation. “You’ve heard me say many a time as far as players making the room feel right. Farrell has spoken with Prendergast as to “his journey” and using all these experiences to push his career on.

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2026 09:00 UTC