Ireland’s 2018 Paris Glory: 23 Players to Name Before the Six Nations Kick‑off

Ireland’s Pursuit of Six Nations Victory in Paris: A historical Outlook

February 5, 2026

The Irish National Rugby team prepares to face France in a crucial Six Nations opener, seeking a breakthrough win in Paris after a prolonged drought. It has been Eight Years as Ireland last secured a Six Nations victory on French soil, a memorable occasion fueled by a dramatic, last-second drop goal that propelled them towards Grand Slam success.

Despite consistent contention, Ireland has experienced setbacks in Paris in the intervening years, suffering defeats on two occasions. A Victory was achieved against France in 2024, but that contest took place in Marseille, not the challenging Parisian arena.

The Historical Challenge in Paris

Paris has historically proven a formidable location for visiting Six Nations teams, including Ireland. The fervent home crowd and the quality of the French side consistently present a meaningful hurdle. According to data from World Rugby, France boasts a strong home record in the Six Nations, winning over 70% of their matches played in Paris since the championship’s inception.

The 2018 season,under the guidance of then-head coach Joe Schmidt,represents a high point for Irish rugby. The team achieved a historic Grand Slam, culminating in that iconic win in Paris. Recalling that squad requires a deep dive into irish rugby history.

Testing Your Ireland Rugby Knowledge: The 2018 Squad

Before Thursday’s highly anticipated match, we invite readers to put their knowledge of Irish Rugby to the test.

Can you identify all 23 members of Joe schmidt’s historic 2018 Six Nations squad? This team, renowned for its tactical brilliance and unwavering determination, achieved unprecedented success for Irish Rugby.

Ireland’s Six Nations Performance: A Statistical Overview

Here’s a swift overview of ireland’s recent Six Nations performance:

Year	Result	Matches Won	Matches Lost
2018	grand Slam Champions	5	0
2019	second	4	1
2020	third	3	2
2021	Third	3	2
2022	third	2	3
2023	Fourth	2	3
2024	Second	4	1

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Campaign

The 2026 Six Nations presents Ireland with an chance to reclaim their dominance and erase the memory of past defeats in Paris. The current squad, bolstered by emerging talents and experienced veterans, aims to build upon recent successes and challenge for the championship title. The team is presently ranked among the top three in the world, according to the official World Rugby rankings.

What are your predictions for Ireland’s performance in the upcoming Six Nations tournament? do you believe this year’s squad can break the Parisian curse?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!

Who were Ireland’s 23 players in teh 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam campaign?

Ireland’s 2018 Paris Glory: 23 Players to Name Before the Six Nations kick‑off

The memory of Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations triumph, culminating in a Grand Slam secured with a stunning victory in Paris, remains a golden moment for Irish rugby fans. Before the current Six Nations unfolds, revisiting the heroes of that campaign is a must. This isn’t just nostalgia; understanding the players who forged that success provides context for the modern Irish team and highlights the depth of talent within the national setup. Let’s recall the 23-man squad that etched their names into Irish rugby folklore at the Stade de France.

the Front row Foundation

The irish pack in 2018 was built on a formidable front row, providing both power in the scrum and dynamism around the park.

* Jack McGrath (Loosehead Prop): A cornerstone of the Leinster and Ireland pack, McGrath’s scrummaging prowess and work rate were vital.

* rory Best (Hooker – Captain): Leading the team to Grand Slam glory, Best’s leadership and accuracy at the lineout were exceptional. His experience proved invaluable.

* Tadhg Furlong (Tighthead Prop): Arguably the standout prop of the tournament,Furlong’s ball-carrying ability and defensive solidity were game-changing. He quickly became a world-class player.

* Dan Cole: Provided valuable cover and experience in the front row.

* James Tracy: Another hooker offering depth to the squad.

The Second Row Powerhouse

The engine room was anchored by a blend of physicality and athleticism.

* Iain Henderson: A powerful ball carrier and dominant tackler, Henderson’s impact was felt in every game.

* Devin Toner: Toner’s lineout expertise and imposing presence made him a key figure in the Irish set-piece.

* Donnacha Ryan: Provided crucial cover and experience in the second row.

the Back Row brilliance

Ireland’s back row in 2018 was a potent mix of breakdown expertise, ball-carrying, and defensive grit.

* Peter O’Mahony: A warrior on the field, O’Mahony’s leadership and relentless tackling were instrumental.

* Sean O’Brien: Known for his ferocious breakdown work and powerful runs, O’Brien was a constant threat.

* CJ Stander: A dynamic ball carrier and tireless defender, Stander consistently made impactful contributions.

* Josh van der flier: Offered excellent cover and a dynamic presence from the bench.

The Half-back Partnership: orchestrating Success

The half-back pairing of Murray and Sexton was the heartbeat of the Irish attack.

* Conor Murray (Scrum-half): Murray’s box-kicking, passing accuracy, and game management were crucial to Ireland’s success.

* Johnny Sexton (Fly-half): Sexton’s tactical brilliance, pinpoint kicking, and attacking flair were central to Ireland’s game plan. He was the conductor of the Irish orchestra.

* Kieran Marmion: Provided cover at scrum-half.

* Joey Carbery: A versatile back, offering cover at both fly-half and center.

The Centre of Excellence

The midfield provided a blend of power, creativity, and defensive solidity.

* Bundee Aki: aki’s powerful running and direct style added a different dimension to the Irish attack.

* Garry Ringrose: Ringrose’s elusive running and creative playmaking ability made him a constant threat.

* Robbie Henshaw: A strong ball carrier and solid defender, Henshaw provided physicality in the centre.

The Back Three: Finishing Flair

Ireland’s back three possessed pace, power, and an eye for the try line.

* Keith Earls: Earls’ experience, finishing ability, and defensive work rate were vital.

* Jacob Stockdale: A rising star, Stockdale’s pace and try-scoring prowess were a constant threat. He finished the tournament as top try scorer.

* Rob Kearney: Kearney’s reliable handling and defensive solidity provided a safe pair of hands at full-back.

* Andrew Conway: Provided cover and added depth to the back three options.

The Impact of the Bench

The strength of the 2018 squad wasn’t just in the starting XV, but also in the quality of the replacements. Players like Jack Conan, Ultan Dillane, and Tiernan O’Halloran provided crucial impact when called upon, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Irish squad. This depth was a key factor in their ability to maintain intensity and close out games throughout the tournament.

Tactical Nuances of the 2018 Campaign

Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in 2018 wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was about a meticulously crafted game plan. The emphasis on accurate kicking, dominant set-piece play, and relentless defensive pressure suffocated opponents. The ability to adapt and vary their attack, coupled with Sexton’s tactical awareness and Murray’s efficient service, made them a formidable opponent. The team’s discipline was also noteworthy, conceding few penalties and maintaining composure under pressure.

The Legacy of 2018

The 2018 Grand Slam wasn’t just a moment of sporting glory; it was a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and a clear vision. It laid the foundation for continued success for Irish rugby, inspiring a new generation of players