Considering Tadhg Beirne, Garry Ringrose, Iain Henderson and Ronan Kelleher, among others, were missing, talk of Ireland always underperforming at World Cups feels increasingly anachronistic.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/19/history-beckons-for-ireland-at-rugby-world-cup-after-grand-slam-glory

Fuelled by the success of Whelan and the likes of former Connacht star Tadhg Leader running kicking sessions, and linking up with US programs, some leading GAA stars are getting their chance to impress.

Source: https://www.joe.ie/sport/rory-beggan-american-football-trials-787709

Jamison Gibson-Park (hamstring), Robbie Henshaw (wrist) and Tadhg Furlong (calf) also remain unavailable.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/ireland-recall-carbery-cover-sexton-italy-game-3291576?cid=cna_flip_070214

The pair share two children together: Aoife Belle and Tadhg.

Source: https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/una-healy-finds-romance-with-love-island-star-after-david-haye-throuple-saga/a142846796.html

This explains why Rowntree rested Ireland internationals Tadhg Beirne, Joey Carbery, Craig Casey, and Peter O’Mahony for their recent weekend trip to Belfast.

Source: https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/01/04/busy-times-continue-for-munster/

With Tadhg Furlong missing, Wales will fancy their chances of getting a nudge on at the scrum, which has been an intermittent weakness in Ireland’s armoury.

Source: https://www.the42.ie/ireland-wales-six-nations-3-5689133-Feb2023/