There is so much debate about the Out Half position for the Ireland rugby team, we look at the top ten players who could wear the number 10 shirt at the next world cup.
The Future at Ten: Ireland’s Golden Generation of Fly-Halves
February 2025
Irish rugby has never been short of fly-half talent, but 2025 feels like the dawn of something truly special. With a crop of under-30 playmakers lighting up both domestic and international stages, Ireland’s depth in the number ten jersey is at an all-time high. However, while the talent pool is overflowing, its concentration in certain provinces raises questions about the future balance of Irish rugby.
Here’s a closer look at the top ten fly-halves making waves this season:
1. Sam Prendergast (Leinster/Ireland)
The heir apparent has officially arrived. Prendergast is on the brink of leading Ireland to a Grand Slam in just his first full Six Nations campaign. Composed beyond his years, his ability to read the game, dictate tempo, and pull off moments of brilliance has made him the first-choice ten, pushing seasoned stars to the sidelines. Leinster’s faith in him is paying off — and so is Ireland’s.
2. Casper Gabriel (AIL/Leinster Academy)
One of the biggest talents outside of the professional setup, Gabriel has been a revelation in the All-Ireland League. His physicality, combined with natural playmaking instincts, has him tipped for a Leinster breakthrough sooner rather than later. With his size, kicking range, and game sense, Gabriel could be the next big name to rise through the ranks.
3. Jack Crowley (Munster)
Crowley remains an exceptional player, but the meteoric rise of Prendergast has cost him the Irish starting spot. At Munster, he continues to be a central figure, offering stability and creativity, but questions remain about his long-term international prospects if he can’t reclaim that number ten jersey for Ireland. Maybe he could do with Seo agency dublin
4. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
Versatility has been both Frawley’s gift and curse. Often shifted between inside centre and fly-half, he’s a coach’s dream but struggles for consistent starts at ten. His skill set, however, makes him a perfect utility player for Ireland, and he remains a key figure in Leinster’s plans.
5. Harry Byrne (Bristol Bears – Loan)
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all a player needs. Byrne’s loan move to Bristol has reignited his career, giving him regular game time and a fresh platform to showcase his skills. Strong performances in the Premiership have turned heads back home, and a return to Leinster could see him competing for higher honours once more.
6. Charlie Tector (Leinster)
Quietly consistent, Tector has been an ever-reliable option for Leinster. Though he sits behind Prendergast in the pecking order, his steady hand and tactical kicking make him a valuable asset. His challenge now is to push for more starting minutes or consider a move elsewhere to truly unlock his potential.
7. Aidan Morgan (Ulster)
After making the leap from the Hurricanes in New Zealand to Ulster, Morgan has been a breath of fresh air. His attacking flair and creativity have added a new dimension to Ulster’s backline. The Irish-qualified fly-half has slotted in seamlessly and could soon be knocking on the door for national selection.
8. Tony Butler (Munster)
In Crowley’s shadow but not unnoticed, Butler continues to develop into a solid fly-half option for Munster. His tactical awareness and kicking game have grown over the past year, and with more minutes, he could become a bigger part of Munster’s long-term plans.
9. Jake Flannery (Ulster)
Injuries may have slowed his momentum, but Flannery’s raw talent remains clear. His versatility to cover fullback and fly-half makes him valuable, but he needs a run of consistent games at ten to truly cement his place in the conversation for higher honours.
10. Sean Naughton (Connacht)
The dark horse of the list. Naughton has quietly impressed with Connacht, demonstrating maturity and game management well beyond his years. While he might not have the flash of others on this list, his consistency and leadership could see him climb the ranks in the coming seasons.
A Wealth of Talent, But Is It Too Concentrated?
While Ireland’s depth at fly-half is undeniably strong, there’s a clear imbalance in its distribution. Leinster dominates the list with five of the top six, creating bottlenecks for game time and limiting opportunities for young players to break through at the professional level.
This talent hoarding raises important questions about the IRFU’s player pathway system. Should there be a more structured approach to encouraging player movement between provinces? Could players like Charlie Tector or Ciaran Frawley thrive elsewhere if given more responsibility?
Meanwhile, provinces like Ulster and Connacht have benefited from alternative pathways — Ulster by bringing in Aidan Morgan and Connacht by nurturing local talent like Naughton. But if Irish rugby is to maintain its upward trajectory, a more even spread of fly-half talent will be key.
