Andy Farrell says Ireland must become World's best

Andy Farrell says Ireland must aim to become the best team in the world if they are to challenge rugby’s leading nations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Andy Farrell Sets Ireland Rugby Challenge

Farrell made the comments after Ireland’s 40-21 defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park, where the All Blacks’ athleticism, power and attacking quality again exposed areas Ireland need to improve.

The Ireland head coach said his side had the ability to compete with the best teams but needed to become stronger collectively. He stressed that the focus was not only on individual talent but on building the complete team required to beat the world’s top sides.

“I believe we’ve got to be the best team in the world – emphasis on ‘team’ and all the variations of what makes that in our opinion – because there’s unbelievable athletes in our team, but you can see the magic that some of these athletes can do,” said Farrell.

“But that doesn’t say that we can’t beat them.

"We can. We’re here sat in the dressingroom again and probably reflecting on what should have been, never mind what could have been. It could have been better obviously, but we should have given a better account of ourselves if we’re being honest.”

Ireland Target Rugby World Cup Improvement

His comments came in the context of recent defeats to New Zealand, South Africa and France, all of which highlighted the physical and tactical standards Ireland will need to match before the next Rugby World Cup.

Farrell accepted that responsibility lies with him and his coaching staff to help Ireland close that gap over the coming months.

"I definitely do. And it’s up to us as coaches to come to the party on that and challenge the players and show them how to do that and make sure that the players have got the hunger to come back into preseason and show that they’re willing to take that challenge on.”