How are Ireland set for the Nations Championship?

As Ireland prepare for the northern hemisphere series in the 2026 Nations Championship, BBC Sport NI takes a look at how Andy Farrell's side is shaping up. Andy Farrell's side face Argentina and Fiji before renewing hostilities with South Africa this month The last time Ireland entered an autumn schedule a year out from the Rugby World Cup, Andy Farrell's side were riding the crest of a wave. Buoyed by their seismic Test series triumph over the All Blacks in New Zealand, Ireland dispatched South Africa, Fiji and Australia to end 2022 top of the world rankings. At that point, their World Cup preparations were progressing smoothly. But in the three years since the All Blacks exacted revenge in one of the great World Cup knockout matches in Paris, Ireland's place among rugby's elite has often looked less than assured.

Persistent defeats by New Zealand, South Africa and France have raised questions about the team's trajectory as next year's World Cup draws closer. But with Argentina, Fiji and South Africa visiting Dublin over the next three weeks, Ireland have the opportunity to give their journey to Australia a much-needed shot in the arm. Will the Ulsterman with farmer's strength be Ireland's next star? South Africa were 24-13 winners on their last visit to Dublin The aforementioned sequence of poor results