Andy Farrell will announce his Six Nations squad on Wednesday, with several key decisions looming. The fly-half race has widened into a three-way contest between Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley, and Harry Byrne, whose recent Champions Cup heroics for Leinster have reignited his Test ambitions. Injuries have also hit the front row, with Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy both unlikely to feature against France.

Farrell's options are tested by form and fitness across the board. At loosehead, Jack Boyle has emerged as a solution, while the midfield debate pits Stuart McCloskey's recent form against Bundee Aki's experience. The back-three remains uncertain, with Hugo Keenan still sidelined and Mack Hansen out after surgery, forcing the coach to consider versatile options like Ciaran Frawley and Jacob Stockdale at full-back.

With Ryan Baird's fractured tibia ruling him out, Ireland's back-row depth will be scrutinized. Farrell must decide whether to shift Tadhg Beirne to blindside or trust the power of Jack Conan from the bench. The squad's pre-tournament camp in Portugal begins next week, offering a final chance to settle on a starting XV before the opener in Paris on February 5.