Since Johnny Sexton retired in 2023, the question of who should be Ireland's first-choice fly-half has remained open. Sam Prendergast appeared to take charge earlier this year, but after a shaky start to the Six Nations, Jack Crowley took over and impressed for the rest of the tournament. When Crowley picked up a back injury at the end of last season, Prendergast returned to the 10 jersey for the summer's Nations Championship matches against Australia and New Zealand. Ciaran Frawley got his chance against Japan and put in a solid display, and with Crowley and Harry Byrne injured, he now has a real opportunity to establish himself under Andy Farrell.
Former Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray says Frawley is one to watch. Murray praised Prendergast, who was named player of the match in Leinster's Investec Champions Cup win over Clermont, but said Frawley has also caught his eye. Since his summer move from Leinster to Connacht, where he is now first choice under Stuart Lancaster, the 28-year-old has settled in seamlessly. In Dublin he was often down the pecking order at fly-half and frequently played at full-back or centre, and his versatility seemed to count against him. After moving west, he scored twice on his debut against Benetton and grabbed another two tries in the thrilling Champions Cup win over Saracens in Galway.
Murray said Ireland's goal-kicking remains "the elephant in the room" and noted that Frawley has not been kicking from the tee for Connacht. Frawley did land three of four attempts in the win over Japan in July, and his last-gasp drop goal in South Africa in 2024 secured a second-ever Test win in Springbok territory and a series draw.
Farrell has named a largely settled squad for November's three Nations Championship matches, with Argentina, Fiji and South Africa to visit Dublin before the inaugural finals weekend in London. Murray believes the new competition can help preparations for the World Cup in Australia next year.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing