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Andy Farrell singles out a select group of Irish players England hammering

Published 18:21 21 Feb 2026 GMT

Updated 18:21 21 Feb 2026 GMT

SportsJOE
Andy Farrell singles out a select group of Irish players England hammering

Homerugby

Interesting comments.

A number of players showed up incredibly for Ireland today, as they monstered England by 21 points at Twickenham.

This was reflected in our player ratings, where we handed out a number of huge scores.

Jamison Gibson-Park was a deserved man of the match, after producing one of the best displays we have ever seen in an Ireland jersey.

Ulstermen Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune improved on their magnificent performances from last weekend, while Tadhg Beirne was back to his epic best.

After the game, head coach Andy Farrell interestingly singled out five men.

He said: "What the likes of Stuart McCloskey or Rob Baloucoune or Nick Timoney or Cian Prendergast or Jack Crowley or whatever...

"The growth they have got now from their teammates by performing on a big stage is going to do us the world of good going forward.

"We scored some lovely tries but some of the guts we had defending... chasing back, McCloskey and Baloucoune tackling people into touch in the corners.

"It shows the spirit of the team and what it means to fight for one another. A special day."

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