And what needs to improve in 2025 to bring more success at both provincial and international level?

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Ireland retained the Guinness Six Nations Championship in 2024. Photgraph: Dan Sheridan/©INPHO
Ireland retained the Guinness Six Nations Championship in 2024. Photgraph: Dan Sheridan/©INPHO

We may only be halfway through the rugby season, but the end of the calendar year presents an opportunity to reflect nonetheless. Ireland won a Six Nations, qualified for a women’s World Cup, competed at the Olympics, beat the Black Ferns and won three out of four in November, so was this a successful year? Does the country continue to punch above its weight, and have we become spoiled as rugby fans? Or are we at a stage now when more is needed, especially at provincial level in terms of silverware?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to look back on the year that was, while also pointing to what needs to improve for 2025 to bring more success to Irish rugby.

Produced by John Casey.