And how do they close the gap on the world's top sides next season?

Listen | 46:37
Ireland's Sean Jansen is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during their final match of the 2026 Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series. Photograph: Ben Brady/ ©INPHO
Ireland's Sean Jansen is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during their final match of the 2026 Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series. Photograph: Ben Brady/ ©INPHO

After defeat to the All Blacks wrapped up Ireland’s season, Nathan Johns, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan talk through Ireland’s ups and downs.

Firmly ranked below the world’s top sides, where do Ireland go from here as they look to close the gap next season?

How does the team balance its need to improve the attack with the personnel available? And what positions are looking stronger than others sixteen months out from the next World Cup?

Produced by John Casey.

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