Assessing Ireland’s wing options for the Six Nations after key injuries

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be looking for a replacement for Mack Hansen after the wing underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder.

The 25-year-old will miss the Six Nations after being ruled out for up to four months in what is a significant blow ahead of the tournament.

Hansen would have been a guaranteed starter, given his form at the Rugby World Cup, and leaves Farrell searching for his next in line.

With Jimmy O’Brien also unavailable due to injury and James Lowe currently on the sidelines, Ireland may have to field a makeshift back three in the Six Nations, so we delve into the runners and riders.

Right wing

Calvin Nash: Enjoyed a fine 2022/23 campaign as Munster claimed the United Rugby Championship title and was rewarded with a call-up to the wider Rugby World Cup training squad. Made his debut against Italy in a warm-up clash but did not make the final cut. Has been a regular in the Munster line-up once again this season and has continued to impress, despite not being quite at his best.

Jordan Larmour: The 26-year-old has not represented the national team since 2021, which is staggering since he was regularly touted as the next big thing. Injuries and poor form saw him fall out of the reckoning, but he appears to be rediscovering his mojo and has played well for Leinster. Has international experience and, at the moment, is the most likely to replace Hansen on the right wing. Could be considered a utility, given that he has played all three positions in the back three, but he looks settled in the number 14 jersey.

Robert Baloucoune: A huge talent who suffered with injuries at just the wrong time as he missed out on the World Cup squad. Baloucoune has not been a standout on the wing in 2023/24, but he has still had some good moments. He has only crossed the whitewash once this season, which is strange for the usually prolific wing, but he is much more than just a try-scorer.

Left wing

James Lowe: Here as an option because he is certainly not guaranteed a spot in the Six Nations having failed to feature since the World Cup. Apparently close to returning but Lowe will need to prove his form and fitness over the next month to convince Farrell that he is ready. The 31-year-old has credit in the bank and was one of the best wings in the world in 2023, but it remains to be seen where he stands.

Jacob Stockdale: Once the best poacher in the game, the Ulster flyer has failed to hit the same heights after sustaining a horrific ankle injury in 2021. He failed to fire throughout the 2022/23 campaign, even if he did receive an Ireland call-up to the wider World Cup squad. A hamstring injury picked up in the final warm-up curtailed his hopes – albeit he was unlikely to make the final 33 anyway – but being available for Ulster has helped him in the long run. Stockdale has been excellent for the province this season and deserves to be involved in the Six Nations.

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Shane Daly: The other Munster wing in what has proven to be a very reliable back three in Limerick. Has played plenty at full-back as well due to the injury to Mike Haley but his best work tends to be on the left. Like Nash, Daly isn’t hugely prolific but he has an excellent all-round game and has the type of skill set which would suit Test rugby well. Defensively strong, solid under the high ball and a good distributor, he would not let Ireland down at all.

Utility

Simon Zebo: His international career looked over after barely playing in 2022/23, but Zebo put himself in contention with an impressive display against rivals Leinster on Boxing Day. He was the best back three player on that day, outshining even Ireland’s first choice full-back Hugo Keenan under the high ball. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured since 2017 but he wouldn’t be the worst short-term option, given his aerial skills. It is unlikely but, considering Zebo’s experience and ability to play at wing or full-back, he may well be in Farrell’s thinking.

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