How many of Ireland's Lions will make it to World Cup?
Age at next World Cup: 31
Prospects: Excellent
Keenan's was the most remarkable story of the 2025 Lions, recovering from savage illness to become the second Test hero.
Had a bit of a dip after his Olympics sojourn but he has the right age profile to be a leader at Australia 2027 and his experience and security will be central to Ireland's ambitions.
Age at next World Cup: 32
Prospects: Good
Ireland's unluckiest Lion. Ringrose's form was excellent and deserved Test recognition until concussion issues intervened.
His specialist outside centre skills are not easily replicated, and given his meticulous conditioning, his powers will be just as potent in 2027 – the only caveat here is further injury complications. Garry Ringrose. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile
Age at next World Cup: 29
Prospects: Excellent
Hansen possesses just the type of game-breaking qualities that could prove vital to Ireland ending their 40 years of World Cup pain.
Not the biggest or fastest winger on the circuit, but the Connacht man has an eye for an opportunity that sets him apart and he will only be 29 in 2027.
Age at next World Cup: 35
Prospects: Doubtful
Lowe has unique power and distribution skills that no other Ireland wide man can emulate. However, the Leinster winger did not have his best tour and continues to be dogged by defensive insecurities as well as a lack of out and out speed.
Lowe has been a key factor in Ireland's success under Farrell, but his age is against him and making the next World Cup looks a long shot.
Age at next World Cup: 25
Prospects: Excellent
Farrell spotted something in the Naas youngster from a long way out and Osborne has delivered – making the most of his unexpected Lions chance with a big, two-try performance.
Age is not an issue and he brings the right combination of power and panache. Osborne's versatility adds to his appeal, but inside centre is his natural home and the No12 jersey should be his for the foreseeable future. Bundee Aki. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Age at next World Cup: 37
Prospects: Unlikely
Aki has done his adopted state some service over the years and had some big moments on this tour also – although his form did not merit elevation above Sione Tuipulotu and the last Test looked to be an outing too far.
This feels like the right time for him to step off the international stage – it is vital that he does not impede succession plans in the midfield.
Age at next World Cup: 35
Prospects: Hopeful
The fact he will be 35 at the next tournament counts against him but Gibson-Park is so influential, there is an imperative to protect him over the next two years. Ireland have talented options at No9 in Craig Casey, Ben Murphy and Nathan Doak but, even though he may end up on the bench, Gibson-Park's nous needs to be retained if possible.
Age at next World Cup: 31
Prospects: Excellent
It is surprising his selection ahead of the irrepressible Ellis Genge did not cause more outrage among the sizeable English media contingent on the Lions tour.
Not in peak form for Lions but remains massively influential in the Ireland pack and will be hitting his peak at the next World Cup.
Age at next World Cup: 28
Prospects: Excellent
Uniformly admired across the rugby globe with justifiable claims on the title of best hooker in the game. Sheehan will be spearheading Ireland's challenge at the next World Cup, possibly even leading the team out as captain, if the decision is taken to lessen the burden on Caelan Doris's shoulders. Dan Sheehan of British & Irish Lions during the third test match. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Age at next World Cup: 29
Prospects: Very good
There were wobbly lineout issues, not all of his making, but Kelleher remains elite back-up for Sheehan in a key position with Gus McCarthy adding to Ireland's strength in this area.
His presence in the squad for Australia 2027 to negotiate an arduous campaign is essential.
Age at next World Cup: 34
Prospects: Hopeful
Falls into the same category as Gibson-Park – too good to leave out regardless of age issues.
Furlong has a lot of mileage in arguably the most intense position on the field and injuries have been his chief tormentor over the last two years. Protecting him over the next two is absolutely key to Ireland's hopes.
Age at next World Cup: 35
Prospects: Doubtful
Enhanced his reputation on this Lions tour, both on and off the field (his double act with Genge was the stand-out feature of the Lions' behind-the-scenes footage).
However, the Connacht tighthead (below) faces a challenge to stay at the top level deep into his 30s and Ireland need to assess the alternatives. Tadhg Furlong. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Age at next World Cup: 27
Prospects: Excellent
In many ways, Clarkson was the big success story of the 2024-2025 Irish rugby season. He has stepped up whenever called upon and his age profile and high ceiling mean that when the next World Cup rolls around, Clarkson should be right at the top of his game.
Age at next World Cup: 26
Prospects: Excellent
Ireland's answer to Will Skelton will only get better and his impact was best emphasised by how the Lions struggled in his absence. Farrell needs more like him, with Munster's Edwin Edogbo the best bet, and McCarthy will be a rallying figure for the foreseeable future.
Age at next World Cup: 35
Prospects: Hopeful
An exceptional player who, like Gibson-Park and Furlong, needs to be protected to ensure his presence in 2027.
Even so, it will be a challenge given Beirne's attritional style and advancing years but the Munster back five star (inset) is a stand-out talent and remains key to Ireland's hopes. James Ryan. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile
Age at next World Cup: 31
Prospects: Excellent
Was having a superb impact for the Lions until forced off with injury in the third Test. Should be hitting his peak at Australia 2027 and can be the Martin Johnson-esque fulcrum of the Irish pack.
Age at next World Cup: 35
Prospects: Hopeful
Another elite operator whose age is against him. Conan operates in the most contested area of the Ireland team but has the conditioning and the nous to stay in the mix, injuries allowing. His experience could be vital.
Age at next World Cup: 34
Prospects: Very good
It is safe to expect a big two years from Van der Flier (above) as he seeks to erase his Lions frustrations and end his stellar career on a high. The Leinster openside's form was superb for the Lions and should have earned him a start in the third Test.
Another who is heading for his mid-30s but Van der Flier will ensure he is in peak physical state and there is no specialist openside near him in the Irish game – one of the big issues on Farrell's to-do list.
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