GRADED: Every Ireland Player in the 2026 Six Nations... So Far

Ireland commenced their Six Nations with a tough trip out to France, as Fabien Galthie's side exploded out the gate for a five-try 36-14 win under the Thursday night lights. This heavy opening round defeat lit a fire underneath Ireland, who fought tooth and nail for a valient second round victory over an in-form Italian side, who had just stunned Scotland in Rome.

Farrell's men then hopped across the Irish Sea with a spring in their step, to take on England at the Allianz Stadium in round three. Steve Borthwick's side were still dusting themselves off from a dejecting defeat to Scotland the week prior, as Ireland ran out an emphatic 42-21 victory in Twickenham. Ireland enter the fallow week on a wave of momentum, as their record setting win in London puts them back in contention for a late push towards the Six Nations title.

Whilst an unbeaten French side hold the cards as favourites for the Grand Slam, Ireland could well sneak in for the title should Les Bleus slip up across the coming fortnight. Ireland have Wales and Scotland left to play, with both matches scheduled for the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. So, ahead of next weekend's return to action, let dish out the grades for the 30 Ireland stars that have ran out in the 2026 Six Nations so far.

The Leinster man was called upon to retain his spot at fullback, after Hugo Keenan suffered a fractured thumb in Ireland's pre-tournament training camp in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. Osborne has started all three matches so far, and bagged some impressive tries against Italy and England for a steady strike rate. The fullback scored Ireland's fifth at Twickenham, and sent pockets of grumbling England fans home early from Allianz Stadium. After a slow start in Paris, Osborne has steadily clicked through the gears back towards his dangerous best.

The versatile back-line operator had an underwhelming effort on the road against France, with a couple of missed tackles allowing Les Bleus across the gain-line. O'Brien was dropped from the squad for the second round win over Italy, which ignited an impassioned return for the following week's trip to England. O'Brien was on fire against Steve Borthwick's side, as he rushed off the bench after just 18 minutes when James Lowe suffered a groin injury. O'Brien excelled in the win at Twickenham, and is back on track.

One of the most talked about men in the Ireland squad, has been the returning Robert Baloucoune. The man known around Ulster circles as 'The Cat' sunk his claws into the second round win over Italy, with a stunning Player of the Match and try-scoring contribution, to mark his first ever cap in the Six Nations. The wing missed out on the defeat to France, but retained his 14 jersey for the win over England, in which he showcased his tremendous attacking qualities and bagged a well-taken try for good measure.

Another Ulster wing that jumped at his long awaited return to the pinnacle stage, Jacob Stockdale ended a five year wait for a Six Nations appearance in the first round trip to Paris. However, Stockdale did not have the most inspired run-out at the Stade de France, as Louis Bielle-Biarrey breezed past him for a first half try. His stunning provincial form has not yet been witnessed in Irish green, as Stockdale did not go on to feature against either Italy or England. However, there is still time to turn for Stockdale to turn this around against Wales and Scotland.

The Leinster wing missed out on the first round trip to France, with Jacob Stockdale and Tommy O'Brien proffered along the touchlines. Lowe returned for the second round hosting of Italy, yet Gonzalo Quesada's men had done their homework, and did not allow the New Zealand born flyer a chance to break into his top strides. Some neat kicks and regathered chip-and-chases stood out, yet Lowe did not have the chance to fly at the Aviva. An early groin injury against England pins question marks on any further involvements for the rest of the tournament.

Andy Farrell has made very little alterations to his Ireland midfield, with Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki both unavailable for the first three weeks. Garry Ringrose returned to his regular spot at outside centre, and adjusted to an infrequently featured partnership with Stuart McCloskey. Ringrose was swamped by the French defence, yet came alive with stronger open-field breaks against Italy and England. The Leinster man kept Tomasso Menoncello quiet for the most part, as Ireland fought back to clinch a pivotal win over the Azzurri in round two.

Stuart McCloskey has been Ireland's best player, across the first three weeks of the 2026 Six Nations. The Ulster man has turned everything he touches into gold, with some canny offloads keeping the ball alive and sending his teammates free. From his re-played 'Quarter-back' style assist for Rob Baloucoune's try against Italy, to the incredible back-track tackle on Marcus Smith at Twickenham, McCloskey has excelled upon both sides of the ball, and has stepped up to fill the Henshaw-Aki void. McCloskey could well take home the 2026 Six Nations Player of the Championship award if he keeps this going.

The spotlighted man from the Ireland squad, it has not been the Six Nations that Sam Prendergast would have dreamed up ahead of the competition. The Leinster out-half did not have his finest outing against France, with his touch-line volley in the build up to Louis Bielle-Biarrey's try, and the pass beyond his own try-line/missed tackle on Matthieu Jalibert also heavily criticised. Prendergast did distribute the ball well in attack, with a nice carry in the lead up to Tommy O'Brien's score against Italy a stand-out positive. The fly half could well bounce back, after being dropped for the win against England this past weekend.

With Sam Prendergast dropped from the entire match day 23 to face England in the third round, Andy Farrell called upon Ciaran Frawley for a seat amongst the replacements. This was the first involvement for the Leinster man in the Championship so far, as the multi-tool back-liner replaced Garry Ringrose for a 26 minute run out in the midfield. Whilst it was not a headline making performance, the soon to be Connacht man will be looking to build upon his latest Ireland cap and return to the match day squad.

Former Ireland international Luke Fitzgerald recently said, that Jack Crowley has 'settled the debate' to be the side's first choice fly half. The Munster man showcased great versatility to sub in at fullback against France, but it was the replacement effort against Italy where the 26-year-old really came alive. Crowley steered the ship alongside Jamison Gibson-Park, to see Ireland over the line for a hard-fought comeback win against the Azzurri. Crowley followed this up with a brilliant performance against England, as Farrell's men silenced the home supporters in South West London.

It has been a roller-coaster three weeks for Jamison Gibson-Park. The Leinster scrum half began his Six Nations campaign with a sub-par performance in Paris, which saw him subsequently dropped to the bench for the second round. Gibson-Park was then electric at the Aviva, as he helped guide Ireland to their comeback victory over Italy, with Farrell retaining the New Zealand born star in the nine jersey for the trip to Twickenham. Gibson-Park was simply phenomenal in the third round win, as he bagged a try in a breathtaking Player of the Match performance to get Ireland back in the title hunt.

If Gibson-Park had a roller-coaster three weeks, then Craig Casey had been stuck at the station for the most part. The Munster man has kept it no secret that he wants to usurp Gibson-Park to be Ireland's first choice nine before too long, yet Casey will be frustrated by his lack of game-time and slow performance against Italy when given the chance to start.

Casey was sin-binned for his clash of heads with Lorenzo Cannone in round two, and was left with a bloodied and broken nose for his efforts. This misfortune, either side of eight and nine minute cameos against France and England, has Casey gunning for more ahead of the last two rounds of the Six Nations.

The Munster man was called up into the Six Nations squad, as Andy Farrell had to navigate a plethora of injuries across the loose-head of the scrum. Loughman got the nod to start against France, and the scrum was a stand-out positive for Ireland, from the tough opening round defeat. The prop made good upon his Six Nations debut, yet struggled the following week against a rampant Italian pack. However, Loughman retained his number one jersey, yet struggled against Joe Heyes when Ireland clashed with England.

The scrum and line-out were definitive positives from Ireland's first round defeat at the Stade de France, with Sheehan on hand to lead the set-piece initiative. The line-out was certainly a stark improvement for Andy Farrell's side, from what was witnessed throughout the Autumn Nations Series. Sheehan then was undone by the incredible Italian forwards, as he was sent backwards both at scrum-time and in the loose. The Leinster hooker made amends, with a well taken try against England, as he led from the front in the historic win, at the stadium known around the boroughs as 'HQ'.

The 26-year-old continues on upon his upward trajectory within the Ireland squad, as Andy Farrell gave him the nod to start out in Paris, and then against Italy upon home soil. In a similar pattern to his front row partners Loughman and Sheehan, Clarkson went well at scrum-time against France, yet was also pushed backwards by a formidable Italian force. Clarkson was dropped for the third round win over England, as Tadhg Furlong returned for tight-head precedence, with Finlay Bealham on the bench.

Ireland's resident impact man has once again made his Six Nations mark from the bench. The hooker took the 16 jersey for the first three weeks, with solid involvements to keep the set-piece sturdy against France. Kelleher upped Ireland's tempo against Italy, and was paramount towards the second half surge, and had a similarly strong impact as he entered the fray at the Allianz. A solid contribution so far, with Kelleher rightfully knocking on the door for a start against Wales next Friday.

Munster prop Michael Milne has only enjoyed 21 minutes of action so far in the 2026 Six Nations, but the loose-head has certainly made his moments count. The front rower came off the bench in the first round clash in Paris, and bagged a try upon his Six Nations tournament debut for a memorable way to mark his 27th birthday. Milne has not yet returned to feature for Farrell's side, yet the Wales Test could well see him collect his next cap, should the head coach look to shake up his pack.

Bealham has made two off-the-bench appearances so far in the 2026 Six Nations, as the Connacht man took up the number 18 jersey against France and then a fortnight later at Twickenham. The corn-rowed colossus brought his regular battering ram ways into contact, as Ireland rallied back in the latter stages in Paris. Bealham then took the fight to the likes of Ellis Genge and Bevan Rodd, with a solid turnaround at the scrum after England controlled the first half set-piece in round three.

There has been plenty of excitement and discussion around Tom O'Toole so far in the Six Nations, as the Ulster prop continues his journey as a dual-headed prop. Whilst O'Toole regularly packs down the Ulster scrum at tight-head alongside Wallabies star Angus Bell, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty has shifted the 'multi-Toole' asset across for an international stint as a replacement loose-head. The 27-year-old held his own off the bench against Italy and England, with impressive performances in this new-found position.

Ireland fans had to bide their time to witness the return of their veteran tight-head, as Tadhg Furlong sat out on the first round defeat to France. The Leinster stalwart was able to fully recover from his calf injury in time for the second week, where he was a half-time substitute against Italy.

Furlong was far from his best against the dominant Italian pack, with a viral clip seeing the Wexford man up-ended by Danilo Fischetti in a rampant scrum drive. Furlong rallied back to start in round three, yet struggled at the set-piece against England's in-form loose-head Ellis Genge. With two weeks left in the Six Nations, the Leinster prop will be hoping for a improved finish across the final 'Furlong'.

The Leinster lock was a key player in the line-out success against France, as the forward pack had a strong day on an overall tough first round defeat. McCarthy has enjoyed a solid run of form throughout the Six Nations, after bouncing back from an unnecessary penalty offence to hand Thomas Ramos three points from the tee. The second row has retained his jersey and has improved as the tournament progressed with his best efforts coming against England this past weekend, with a highlight-reel down-field break.

James Ryan had to bide his time to get involved in the Six Nations, as he was a replacement for the first round trip to France. Ryan took a seat on the bench behind the versatile Tadhg Beirne, who took the lead at lock against Les Bleus. The Leinster man then started the following Tests against Italy and England, and like his engine room partner Joe McCarthy, looked to be at his best for the latest clash at the Allianz. The lock has provided a steady pair of reliable hands and well-worn shoulders through arduous chop tackles.

Tadhg Beirne has been Ireland's best forward so far in the 2026 Six Nations, as the Munster man shone across both lock and in the back row. Beginning his tournament in the second row, Beirne was a bright spark in Paris, with the blue scrum cap frequently featured at the bottom of a ruck or battling in a maul. Beirne has been a stand-out performer in all of Ireland's Tests, yet his best effort were against England.

Beirne denied Jamie George a try from close range with expert work to get under the ball. The forward won multiple turnovers and was a real thorn in the side of Steve Borthwick's team. The Lions Tour Player of the Series reminded his former teammates as to why they rated him so highly this past Summer.

Whilst there is no denying the excitement around Edwin Edogbo, Ireland fans will be hoping to see more from their newly capped international. The Munster lock made his long awaited Ireland debut off the bench in the second round win over Italy, yet the 23-year-old is yet to build upon his 11 minute stint.

The pride of Cobh Pirates gave away a breakdown penalty upon his first involvement, as referee Hollie Davidson welcomed Edogbo to the pressures of the Test match stage. Ireland were able to clear the danger, as Paolo Gabisi failed to find the touchline, in what would have been quite the heart-in-mouth moment for the Ireland debutant.

The impressive rise continues for the Connacht back row, as Cian Prendergast made his Six Nations debut in the tournament opener against France. The 26-year-old emptied the tank upon his 50 minute stint, and worked well to win a turnover before his exit. Prendergast was less in the spotlight than his brother, yet he did make quite a solid replacement involvement against England, a week after being rotated out of the fold for the clash with Italy.

There was plenty of excitement to see Josh van der Flier back in the Six Nations, and the back row made his mark from the off against France. The flanker was a steady attacking presence, as he combined nice hands with his customary carries to keep Les Bleus on their toes. The Leinster back row was then rested for the second week's win over Italy, and roared back with thunderous intent for the latest triumph over England. Van der Flier combined brilliantly with Tadhg Beirne to set a fierce defensive tempo and disrupt bountiful England possession on their road to victory.

The Ireland captain had a slow start into the 2026 Six Nations, as he was not at his best for the first round trip to France. Doris missed some uncharacteristic tackles as Les Bleus ran riot, with Charles Ollivon's try standing out as a mis-step. The back row rallied back with a stronger performance against Italy, as he was shifted to the open-side flank in a steady showing of versatility to bring Jack Conan into the fray. Doris was 'back at his best' in the eyes of Andy Farrell for the third round win at Twickenham, with the upwards trajectory mirrored in the performances of the men in green.

The in-form Ulster forward was called upon in the second week's hosting of Italy, to make his tournament debut in the Six Nations. Having made his first Ireland cap against Fiji a few Autumn's ago, Izuchukwu had steadily climbed the ranks for that start upon the blind-side flank. Cormac brought his 'X-Factor' of line-out disruption, as the Ulster star made the set-piece quite the ordeal for the Italian pack. His stand out moment across a 48-minute stint saw him deny Lorenzo Pani a try, with a rapid burst of pace.

Jack Conan began his Six Nations from the bench, with a strong effort to lift the intensity of Ireland's trip to France. Farrell rewarded the Leinster number eight with a start in the second round's battle with Italy, which saw Conan bag himself a try from close range to ignite the comeback win at the Aviva Stadium. The 33-year-old was scheduled to feature from the bench in Ireland's visit to Twickenham, yet an illness kept the back row from competing, with Cian Prendergast promoted to the bench from the travelling reserves.

Rounding off our recap across every man that has taken the field for Ireland so far in the 2026 Six Nations, Nick Timoney has once again been a reliable work-horse for Andy Farrell. The Ulster back row has maintained a steady progress upon the international stage, after being brought back into the squad for the latest Autumn Series.

Timoney grabbed a well taken try in Ireland's second half fight back against France, and made two further solid replacement appearances against Italy and England to boot. The 30-year-old has made every minute count as he gets thrown into the fold, and the back row could well be in contention for a start next Friday, when Ireland host Wales to kick-off round four.