Key questions as Farrell set to name Ireland squad

A look at some of the key questions facing Ireland head coach Andy Farrell as he prepares to name his Nations Championship squad on Wednesday. Ciaran Frawley (left) is a contender to start at fly-half while Mack Hansen (right) is available after an injury-hit 2025-26 season Ireland head coach Andy Farrell's latest squad selection this week is likely to stir debate about how his team are shaping up with less than a year to go until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. On Wednesday, Farrell will reveal his panel for next month's Nations Championship home leg, which includes home matches against Argentina, Fiji and back-to-back world champions South Africa before the finals weekend at Twickenham.

Ireland opened their Nations Championship campaign with wins over Australia and Japan before a 40-21 loss to New Zealand in Auckland. After November, the Six Nations will be Farrell's only extended period of competitive action with his squad before they travel to Australia for the showpiece tournament. As ever, Farrell has plenty to consider, with the usual injury concerns and several players pushing for inclusion with strong displays during the opening weeks of the season. Last weekend was particularly pleasing for Farrell, as Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster all began their European campaigns with victories. Before Wednesday's squad announcement, BBC Sport examines some of the key