Jacob Stockdale earned his 41st cap and his first Six Nations start since 2021 as Ireland fell 36‑14 to France at the Stade de France. The winger burst onto the scene during the 2018 Grand Slam, scoring seven tries and winning Player of the Tournament before injuries stalled his rise.

Head coach Andy Farrell earned Stockdale’s praise for a ‘honest’ mix of carrot and stick, urging him to show intent from kickoff. Consistent form for Ulster displaced James Lowe, prompting Stockdale to admit relief at the selection and frustration at years spent on the periphery of the national squad.

After the defeat, Stockdale blamed a lack of intensity and sloppy ball handling, warning that Ireland must tighten up before facing a revitalised Italy in Dublin on 14 February. The loss fuels a post‑mortem in the camp and places pressure on Farrell to restore the side’s competitiveness in the 2026 Six Nations.