The Future of Irish Rugby - 2019 World Cup

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As disappointing as this World Cup has been for Ireland, a huge concern over the next four year cycle will be the loss of many of Ireland’s leaders including Paul O'Connell, Tommy Bowe, Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip as well as probably Johnny Sexton who will be 34 come the next World Cup. So who will take on the baton and how could a starting 15 look come Japan 2019? Dry your eyes and put your hope in some of these existing & future Irish stars:

1. Marty Moore – Age 28 (In 2019)

Moore was very unlucky to miss out on 2015 due to injury. He is already pushing Ross hard at National level and replaced him towards the end of last season for Leinster. He needs to improve his mobility and adapt to a more open game, but scrum wise he is as solid as a block of granite.

2. Sean Cronin - Age 33

Cronin has fallen back in the pecking order behind Strauss, but come 2019 he will have had plenty of time to perfect his dart throwing skills and should also be the established number one hooker in the country. Strauss will be pushing hard at provincial level and Duncan Casey at Munster will also be in with a shout.

3. Cian Healy - Age 31

His build up to the World Cup was hampered by injury but he still proved himself to be one of the best loose heads in the World against France and Argentina. Having Jack McGrath push him also helps and if stays fit it is incredible to think he may actually hit his peak in four years’ time.

4. Cian Romaine - Age 23

This guy could be a huge prospect come the next world cup. The Connaught player and Ireland U20 second row has bags of potential and has already been involved with Irish training squads and learnt from the great man himself, Paul O’Connell. In a recent Irish independent article he mentioned that he also plays Badminton & Basketball. So that’s height, strength, great hands and reflexes in the bag.

5. Iain Henderson - Age 27

Henderson has already come of age and his ability to swat players away has established him as one of the most exciting players in the Irish squad. As he develops he will become even more destructive and definitely the kind of player you want on your side. We haven’t seen brute strength like his since Stephen Ferris.

6. Peter O’Mahony - Age 30

Probably the toughest man in Irish Rugby, he is an absolute warrior, leader and future captain. The only concern is the punishment he puts himself through has led to a lot of injuries. If he manages to remain fit he could enter the hall of fame alongside the likes of O’Driscoll and O’Connell

7. Sean O’Brien - Age 32

He should have reached his peak against Argentina and led Ireland to their first ever Semi fianl, but alas a moment of madness saw him banned. Hopefully he will channel this anger and unleash it on some unfortunate opponents over the next four years before returning at the next world cup to complete some unfinished business.

8. CJ Stander - Age 29

Undoubtedly Munster’s best player last season and a future pillar of the Irish pack. His ability to break the gain line is on par with O’Brien, and having these two on the same team is a very exciting prospect for Irish fans. South African fans will rue the day they let this gem leave their shores.

9. Connor Murray - Age 30

A few more grey hairs but hopefully Murray will still be calling the shots at 9. Marmion will be pushing hard, but Murray is world class and at 30 will have all the experience needed to guide a young backline in his third world cup.

10. Bill Johnston - Age 22

Ehhh Who?! Now just hear us out. This guy is only 18 but was an absolute prodigy at school level. He is already exciting Munster fans in pre-season and Foley recently described him as “not only one for the future, but one for now”. Handre Pollard is only 21 and running the show for South Africa, so there’s nothing to say that Johnston won’t be a household name in Ireland by 22.

11. Craig Gilroy - Age 28

The last time Ireland played Argentina in Dublin, Gilroy scored a phenomenal try. It was Cordero’s dancing feet however that did the damage in Cardiff while Gilroy was nowhere to be seen. Come 2019 he may finally reach his potential and line out as part of an exciting Irish backline.

12. Robbie Henshaw – Age 26

Alongside Henderson, Henshaw is the most exciting player to have emerged in recent years. He has the physicality to match anyone but also has fantastic skills and aerial ability. Having received tutelage from the great Drico, he will continue to grow and will become indispensable to the Irish cause in 2019

13. Gary Ringrose - Age 24

Impressed at the U20 world cup where he was nominated for player of the tournament, he seems to have the intelligence and attitude to be a future star alongside Henshaw. The IRFU may pull a few strings to make sure these two play alongside each other on a more regular basis at club level and they could one day form a taller version of the Drico / D’arcy axis

14. Dave Kearney - Age 30

Kearney will have nightmares about the Cordero “step and go” for many years to come, but if anyone is going to work hard to redeem themselves it’s this man. He is one of Schmidt’s favourites and that’s down to his ability to roll up his sleeves and put in some grunt. Come 2019 he will be the finished article.

15. Simon Zebo – Age 29

Zebo may have his detractors, but he also has a phenomenal left boot, burning pace, line breaking ability and four years to become World Class. At 29 he will be at his peak and if Schmidt continues to mould Zebo the way he has done, he could be a very able replacement for Rob Kearney come 2019