Ireland are the 2024 Six Nations Champions. In a campaign that wasn't perfect, Andy Farrell's men lifted silverware at the end of it in front of the Aviva Stadium faithful, just as they did last year.
There were some brilliant performers in this years championship and although there was some injuries and rotation throughout the tournament selection was largely consistent. Brett Igoe was on hand to assess every Ireland game for Balls and we have combined all of his player ratings for Ireland over this year's Six Nations and totted up each player's average rating (where they've played more than 2 games).
Here it is below.
READ HERE: Calvin Nash Reveals Why He Was “Terrified” Of Peter O’Mahony As A Youngster
Backs
Hugo Keenan - 7/10
This tournament further underlined Keenan's importance to this Irish team. Although Ciarán Frawley and Jordan Larmour were able deputies it is hard to replicate the security Keenan provides. Missed the Wales and Scotland games as well as spending a considerable amount of time on the wing against England in which he adapted well.
Calvin Nash - 6.75/10
24 February 2024; Calvin Nash of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Mack Hansen's injury was seen as a big blow but Nash was solid on the wing. He came into this tournament with big shoes to fill and you really feel like his stock has risen week on week. Scored tries against France and Italy and looked comfortable in defence. He may find it hard to retain his place with Hansen likely returning for the tour to South Africa however, the Limerick man will be happy with his Six Nations.
Robbie Henshaw - 6.8/10
9 March 2024; Robbie Henshaw of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
A solid tournament for Henshaw who coming into the campaign was behind Ringrose and Aki in many people's eyes. However, his partnership with Aki has always been great and even when Ringrose returned from injury Henshaw kept his place. It will be interesting to see who Farrell goes with in July.
Bundee Aki - 7.75/10
9 March 2024; Bundee Aki of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
The Connacht man carried over his form from the World Cup and was Ireland's standout performer in this Six Nations. Has been nominated for Player of the Tournament and has become undroppable in this team.
James Lowe - 7.2/10
16 March 2024; James Lowe of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Lowe has truly become one of Ireland's most important players with that left boot crucial in Ireland's exit game. A huge ball carrier for the team also and he finished the tournament with a very respectable 4 tries.
Jack Crowley - 6.6/10
16 March 2024; Jack Crowley of Ireland kicks a conversion during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Played every minute of Ireland's campaign. Crowley also had big shoes to fill and performed well. Had his best performances in the opening 2 games but was overall solid for Ireland. He will want to improve on his place kicking and the true test will come in South Africa
Jamison Gibson Park - 7.2/10
9 March 2024; Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Another hugely influential player in this team and so important to the attack. Rarely has a bad game and barring Antoine Dupont is one of the best 9s in the game right now.
Forwards
Andrew Porter - 7/10
16 March 2024; Andrew Porter of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Came into this tournament with questions asked of him in the scrum after the World Cup and although was caught out a couple times in the opening rounds he seemed to get a hold of it as the games went by. Starting every game and is forced to play more and more minutes with the age profile of Healy.
Dan Sheehan - 7.2/10
16 March 2024; Dan Sheehan of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Finished as joint top try scorer in the tournament with 5 along with Duhan van der Merwe. His overall try scoring record is frankly bonkers for a hooker. Ireland seemed to rectify the lineout which struggled at times in the World Cup however, had some issues in the closing rounds of the campaign. Overall, a very decent tournament for Sheehan.
Tadhg Furlong - 6.5/10
16 March 2024; Tadhg Furlong of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
It was lovely to see him lift the trophy with O'Mahony in what must have been an incredibly difficult campaign after the passing of his father in December. A decent tournament overall and had a try unluckily chalked off against Scotland.
Joe McCarthy - 7.2/10
9 March 2024; Joe McCarthy of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Huge tournament for McCarthy who you feel is going to have a huge impact in the years to come. Was given the nod to start ahead of James Ryan versus France and repaid that faith winning Player of the Match. Continued in a similar vein however, was targeted in the English game. McCarthy will be vital in South Africa.
Tadhg Beirne - 7.5/10
16 March 2024; Tadhg Beirne of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
One of the most consistent performers for Andy Farrell since he came in. He has had to take on more responsibility in the lineout without James Ryan and will want to nail that down for the summer, but a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.
Peter O'Mahony - 6/10
16 March 2024; Peter O’Mahony of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Saved his best performance for last and if it was to be his final outing in a green jersey he will be delighted with guiding this team to silverware. Struggled at times in the tournament but the Corkman will go down as one of the very best servants to Irish rugby.
Josh Van Der Flier - 7/10
16 March 2024; Josh van der Flier of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Another consistent performer for Ireland and his work rate is something to behold. Nothing flashy but a very solid campaign.
Caelan Doris - 7.4
16 March 2024; Caelan Doris of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Seemed to take on more of a leadership role in this tournament captaining the side against Italy and many will feel he will be the next man up should O'Mahony retire. Doris was targeted for much of this Six Nations but dealt with it superbly well. His influence on this Irish team grows by the day.
Replacements
Ronan Kelleher - 6.8
Was a good impact player for Ireland and throwing seems to have hugely improved.
Cian Healy - 5.75
Seems to be winding down a bit and who can blame him at 37. Andy Farrell will be looking to build depth here but no one is making a huge case at the minute.
Finlay Bealham - 6.25
Makes very few mistakes and is always competent at maul and scrum time.
James Ryan - 7
Will be disappointed to have lost his place in the starting 15 but did well when utilised before his injury.
Ryan Baird - 7
Good tournament for Baird who seems to be the heir apparent to that 6 jersey whenever O'Mahony finishes up.
Jack Conan - 6.6
Solid campaign but will be frustrated. Has been part of the 23 for much of Farrell's reign but just can't seem to break into that starting line up.
Conor Murray - 5.5
Struggled to make an impact in this tournament and many felt he was to blame for the finish to the England game. Still trusted as a finisher by Farrell though.
Ciarán Frawley - 6
Came in and did well for the Wales game however, he was caught out a couple times in the England defeat before going off injured.
Coach - 6.8
Andy Farrell will overall be pleased with his side's reaction from their World Cup exit. He was able to get a clearer view of his back three depth chart and winning another bit of silverware cannot be snuffed at. However, Ireland's attack looked less potent as the tournament went on and Farrell will certainly need to have it firing for the summer tour.
