Sport moves fast. One month you’re dissecting a bruising defeat to France and questioning whether something fundamental has slipped. The next, you’re watching Ireland dismantle England in their own capital and wondering why you ever doubted the process.
That’s how dramatically the mood has shifted.
The loss to France stung. The performance against Italy didn’t exactly ignite belief. For a brief moment, there was that uncomfortable sense that Ireland’s standards had dipped and that perhaps the cycle had turned. But now? Those concerns feel distant. Ireland are back on track in the Six Nations, with home fixtures against Wales and Scotland looming large.
And still conducting from the centre of it all is Andy Farrell.
Bernard Jackman was quick to underline just how significant Farrell’s long-term influence has been. “He came in in 2016 as assistant coach and his message has been there for ten years and that was the fear when some of our older players did not reach the levels they had in the past. And to get them back is a masterstroke. To give them the energy, you heard the players talk about how he gave them confidence, telling them 'it's going to come, we're doing the right things at training'.”
That’s not just technical coaching. That’s emotional intelligence. That’s reassurance at precisely the moment doubt creeps in.
Jackman also touched on something that separates Farrell from many at this level: the absence of bitterness when tough calls are made. “The main thing about Farrell that I find fascinating is even when players are dropped or not selected, there is never a bad word. Players want to play under him.
“His style of management, he is like a father figure, his ten years, it's unheard of.”
Ten years in elite international rugby, maintaining credibility, authority and affection? That doesn’t happen by accident.
Donal Lenihan added further context, particularly around the period when Farrell was with the Lions. “Ireland did go backwards during that period (when Farrell was with The Lions). I think the fact that they have been in camp for four weeks, he's been able to mold them together into the side that he wants.”
Time matters. Continuity matters. But so does empathy.
Lenihan pointed to Farrell’s experience as a father, particularly in watching his son Owen endure scrutiny and social media criticism. “I also think the fact that he's the father of an international rugby player who has gone through a lot is important. Owen Farrell has gone through a lot from the attacks that he has had on social media. I think Farrell gets that.
“Everybody talks about you're not just playing for your country, you are playing for your family, you are playing for your friends.The way that he has integrated parents coming in on the Thursday night; Edwin Edogbo's parents when he got his jersey presentation, and I think that matters to players.”
It absolutely does.
This isn’t just tactics and set-piece precision. It’s culture. It’s connection. It’s creating an environment where being left out isn’t humiliation, but motivation.
Ireland aren’t just winning again. They look aligned again.
And at the centre of that alignment stands Andy Farrell. Calm, steady, and quietly orchestrating another resurgence.
