"Finished" - Ranking All 35 Ireland Six Nations Players (Best to Worst)

Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 16:19

byLiam Reynolds

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.

James Ryan (13)

Putting his name back on the map after being dropped from the Starting 15 in Paris, missing out on the final game in Dublin, meaning that he could not step forward compared to the likes of Beirne and McCarthy.

Garry Ringrose (14)

A crucial and reliable player for the team with other centers being absent, didn't do anything spectacular but continues as a reliable option, doing everything he was asked to do perfectly.

Jack Crowley (15)

Answered more questions than he asked, and made the Ireland 10 shirt his own. Still has a lot of improvements to make in the coming years before he can really be relied upon for the 2027 World Cup.

Dan Sheehan (16)

Potentially outshone by his replacement teammate, a quieter Six Nations than expected by his standards. However, no major mistakes from the usual starter.

Nick Timoney (17)

The ultimate super sub of the campaign made an impressive appearance on his first start against Wales. Undoubtedly earned himself a place in Ireland's future 23's, either as a starter or replacement.

Ciaran Frawley (18)

Asked to come in on the back of Sam Prendergast being outcast, proved himself as a dynamic 23 option. Did not do enough to challenge for a starting spot, but brought an attacking spark in the replacement role.

Jeremy Loughman (19)

Made it count when called upon at Twickenham, but may drop out of the Starting 15 following Tom O'Toole's success against Wales and Scotland.

Nathan Doak (20)

Made the most of his single appearance in the tournament, proving himself as a potential challenge to Craig Casey for Ireland's backup at 9 when asked to come on in a high-pressure situation against Wales on his debut.

Thomas Clarkson (21)

Ireland's scrum was a serious issue at the start of this tournament. Clarkson continued to get some important appearances under his belt to build depth.

Tadgh Furlong (22)

A good campaign, despite missing the start, issues with the scrum, and reckless infringements, affected his rating. Will continue to be Ireland's most reliable option at his position.

Craig Casey (23)

A good replacement option, the Munster scrum-half did not make the most of his single start in the tournament. Potentially in a position battle against Doak after his performance against Wales.

Michael Milne (24)

Got some significant minutes under his belt, Andy Farrell continues to build depth at his position and will remain a part of the head coach's plans for the future.

Edwin Edogbo (25)

Impressed on his Ireland debut with a standout performance. Questionable on whether he is trusted enough to feature in big games yet by his head coach.

Darragh Murray (26)

Made a single appearance and made it count by scoring on his Six Nations debut. Trusted to fill in for James Ryan in bigger games, and is spoken highly of by Farrell.

Cormach Izuchukwu (27)

Another player who made his first Six Nations start in this campaign, an important member to have in the squad for years to come. Was reliable on his debut.

Jacob Stockdale (28)

A potentially low ranking, the Ulster winger's disastrous performance under the high ball in Paris dominated his campaign. An impressive start against Wales showcased he was back to his best, but will struggle for inclusion in the squad with other talented players coming through at his age. A reliable depth option who can play multiple positions.

Finlay Bealham (29)

Unimpressive against France, and missed most of the tournament due to injuries. His place will be questioned after the emergence of multiple front-row talents in this tournament.

Cian Prendergast (30)

One of Ireland's worst performers against France, his position in the squad will be under threat. Development has stagnated while more exciting prospects emerge. However, an impressive performance at Twickenham proves he still has a part to play.

James Lowe (31)

Potentially low on the list. Injured for most of the campaign, showcased what he always brings against Italy, but after coming off early at Twickenham, the emergence of O'Brien and Baloucoune means his place in the starting 15 will be questioned.

Tom Stewart (32)

An exciting talent spoken highly of by coaches. Simply a matter of strength in his position, keeping him from breaking into the squad.

Tom Farrell (33)

A brief cameo, his inclusion in the 23 against Wales can be considered a success for the Munster player.

Bundee Aki (34)

Missed most of the campaign due to his own mistake. Still highly appreciated in the Irish system and by the fans, but McCloskey's emergence means he will be reduced to a replacement option going into next year.

Sam Prendergast (35)

An overall disaster of a campaign for Sam Prendergast. Being singled out in Paris, a lackluster performance in Italy led to him being ostracized from the squad in order to protect his own development. Will still have a part to play, but a bad 2026 campaign.