Ireland closed out their 2026 Six Nations with a Triple Crown victory over Scotland. After narrowly missing out on the championship, the real success of the tournament was a record 35 players featured across the five games.
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With over 35 features, multiple debutants and surprise performances, here is every Ireland player ranked from worst to best, assessing who really stood up in this campaign.
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Stuart McCloskey (1)
Following Bundee Aki’s suspension, it was Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey who stood up this Six Nations. Arguably the player of the tournament, McCloskey was at the heart of Ireland’s attack with the most try assists in the tournament, most turnovers, and third most carries. A complete all-around performance.
Robert Baloucoune (2)
Another Ulster player coming into the squad after a long absence. Rob Balocoune’s electric performance on the wing led to him being named the rising player of the championship with three tries scored.
Caelan Doris (3)
After a dissapointing performance against France, the Ireland captain stood up and led from the front. Topping off the campaign with a player of the match performance against Scotland, Doris’s return to form directly correlated with Ireland’s success.
Tommy O’Brien (4)
With new members of the squad being paramount to Andy Farrell’s approach to the tournament, Tommy O’Brien’s Six Nations debut campaign was an outstanding success. Finishing with three tries, O’Brien showcased that he has what it takes to compete with the likes of James Lowe and Mack Hansen.
Tadgh Beirne (5)
Back to his usual brilliant best against Scotland, Beirne continued his run of form as one of Ireland’s most reliable players. Finished with the most turnovers, tied with Stuart McCloskey.
Jamie Osborne (6)
Asked to come in to replace Hugo Keenan following his injury, Jamie Osborne did not put a foot wrong at fullback. Finishing with four tries and playing all five games, the Leinster centre made the fullback position his own. One of the biggest successes of the tournament.
Tom O’Toole (7)
Not starting until the second-last game against Wales, Tom O’Toole came in playing an unfamiliar position and showed that he has what it takes to be an international standard tighthead. Ireland’s scrum performance is improving significantly following his inclusion.
Jameson Gibson-Park (8)
Making his 50th cap for the country, Jameson Gibson-Park was at his usual brilliant best. Shouldering a significant amount of Ireland’s playmaking duties, continues to be Ireland’s best scrum-half unquestionably.
Josh Van Der Flier (9)
Showed off some of his best form against Scotland. An unquestioned part of Ireland’s system, offering the complete backrow experience in tackling, carrying, and at the breakdown.
Joe McCarthy (10)
Making the most of his minutes, Joe McCarthy was an ever reliable prescense for Ireland at lineout time. One of Ireland’s more dominant players, topped his campaign off with 19 tackles and 12 carries against Scotland to win the Triple Crown.
Jack Conan (11)
Completely changed Ireland’s back row when coming into the side after missing out at Twickenham. Spoken highly of by all of his teammates and earned himself a starting spot.
Ronan Kelleher (12)
Despite mainly playing understudy to Leinster teammate Dan Sheehan, one of Ireland’s most consistent performers this tournament. With the most lineout throws won for Ireland, and the highest tackle success rate, an ever-reliable presence that could lead to a starting position with continued performances.
