As rugby fans usher in 2025, Ireland’s fly-half scene is buzzing with talent. With Johnny Sexton’s departure from the international stage, the number ten jersey has become one of the most hotly contested in Irish rugby. From seasoned veterans to emerging prodigies, the competition is fierce, and the depth is deeper than ever. Here’s a look at the top ten Irish fly-halves currently lighting up the game.

1. Sam Prendergast (Leinster/Ireland)

Sam Prendergast has entered 2025 as one of the most exciting prospects in world rugby. His performances for Leinster this season, combined with his maturity beyond his years, have made him a standout candidate for Ireland’s long-term fly-half solution. Prendergast’s pinpoint kicking and calm decision-making have solidified his role as a key player for both club and country.

2. Jack Crowley (Munster/Ireland)

Munster’s Jack Crowley continues to prove why he’s considered one of the brightest stars in Irish rugby. His ability to control games with his tactical nous and creativity was key to Munster’s resurgence in 2024. Crowley’s growing influence in the Ireland set-up has also been evident, with Andy Farrell entrusting him in high-pressure scenarios.

3. Ross Byrne (Leinster/Ireland)

Ross Byrne’s consistency and experience remain invaluable to Leinster and Ireland. While he may not possess the flair of some of his younger counterparts, Byrne’s ability to guide his team through tough situations is unparalleled. His tactical kicking and game management make him a steady and reliable presence at number ten.

4. Ciarán Frawley (Leinster)

Versatility is Ciarán Frawley’s hallmark, but his performances at fly-half have reminded fans of his natural talent in the position. Whether slotting in as a playmaker at 12 or taking the reins at 10, Frawley offers Leinster a calm and composed option who can deliver under pressure. While injuries have limited his international exposure, his club form speaks for itself.

5. Harry Byrne (Leinster/Bristol Bears)

Harry Byrne has had a strong start to his time with Bristol, showcasing his creativity and flair for the attacking game. Injuries have been a challenge for the younger Byrne, but when fully fit, his ability to unlock defences makes him one of the most exciting fly-halves in the country.

6. Jack Carty (Connacht)

Connacht’s Jack Carty remains a pivotal figure for his province. His leadership and creativity continue to shine, particularly in tight encounters where his experience is crucial. While he remains on the fringes of the Ireland squad, his performances for Connacht underline his quality as one of the most dependable number tens in the game.

7. Billy Burns (Ulster)

Billy Burns has been a steady presence for Ulster, delivering consistent performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC). His ability to marshal a backline and distribute effectively keeps him in contention as a valuable provincial operator. Burns’ experience is a cornerstone of Ulster’s attacking play.

8. JJ Hanrahan (Connacht)

Now with the Connacht, JJ Hanrahan continues to show his value as a seasoned playmaker. His sharp attacking instincts and ability to execute under pressure have made him a fan favourite in Newport. While his Ireland days may be behind him, his influence in the URC remains significant. He has been off with injury for last year

9. Billy Burns

10. Sean Naughton (Connacht)

Sean Naughton, a rising star in the All-Ireland League, has turned heads with his dazzling performances over the past year. While he’s yet to make the leap to professional rugby, his ability to read the game and execute under pressure marks him as one for the future. Expect him to make waves in 2025.

Conclusion

As 2025 begins, Ireland boasts an enviable depth of talent in the number ten position. With Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley leading the charge, supported by experienced campaigners like Ross Byrne and Jack Carty, the fly-half role is in good hands. This wealth of options provides Andy Farrell and provincial coaches with the tools to tackle the challenges of the year ahead. For Irish rugby fans, the future looks bright as these playmakers continue to evolve and inspire.

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In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard.

Centurion Keith Earls was among the try scorers to the delight of the home fans, while England’s Billy Vunipola, who was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle on Andrew Porter, saw a review of the tackle upgrade his card to red.

First Half

Though Ireland had a strong starting team, the usual high level of accuracy was missing in the opening half as the home side conceded 6 penalties.

The visitors opened the scoring through George Ford when he kicked a Tadhg Beirne conceded penalty. Kicking from slightly left of the posts, the Sale Sharks’ man slotted over just before the clock hit 5 minutes.

Try for Bundee

An attacking move from Ireland gave winger James Lowe possession with the New Zealand-born player gaining metres. He was strongly supported by Peter O’Mahony who found a lot of space in the centre of the English defence. The Corkman eventually off-loaded to the onrushing Bundee Aki, with the centre having space to comfortably make the try-scoring line. A Ross Byrne conversion from in front of the posts, put Ireland into a 7-3 lead approaching 10 minutes on the clock.

It’s all too easy as Ireland break through the England line with ease and Bundee Aki has a clear run. pic.twitter.com/YQHOo4fEGa

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Mack Hansen failing to roll away gave England an opportunity to close the gap on the scoreboard on 25 minutes, but George Ford surprisingly struck it to the right and wide of the far post.

In spite of some unforced errors from Andy Farrell’s side during the opening half, Ireland made some good decisions on the ball and ran some clever lines in the dying minutes of that opening period.

Hansen finds Ringrose

With the energetic Mack Hansen, the Player of the Match, in possession of the ball on the far side of the pitch, he saw centre Garry Ringrose on the opposite end. A long, well-directed accurate kick from the Connacht winger found Ringrose who had enough to cross for Ireland’s second try of the half.

Byrne attempted the conversion from 40m out, and though he had the distance, he failed with accuracy and send the ball left of the far post and wide.

Great vision from Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose touches down to give Ireland a 12-3 half-time advantage. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/jmfbMSBJMD

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

With the teams heading to the dressing rooms for the half-time team talk, Ireland lead 12-3.

Second Half

James Lowe scored his 10th international try 15 minutes into the second half. With England down for 14 men following a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a dangerous high tackle on Andrew Porter, England were stretched by the home side, and Lowe found himself in splendid isolation out on the wing. A fast pass to the winger saw him run in for his side’s third try of the game.

Ireland quickly make the most of their numerical advantage as James Lowe is left with an acre of space to walk in and touch down. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/HkVQUbKPsX

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt came back off the left post, leaving the Irish side with a 17-3 advantage.

It was then announced that the review panel had upgraded Billy Vunipola’s yellow card to red, meaning the Saracens’ man’s day was over.

The positive use of width and space brought more success for Ireland when claiming their fourth try of the evening. The industrious Mack Hansen touched down for his 7th international try, giving the scoreboard a more respectable look, and showing more accurately the difference between the two sides. Ross Byrne’s difficult day at kicking for the posts continued as he missed another attempt, leaving Ireland 22-3 ahead.

100th cap for Keith Earls

The loudest cheer of the day seemed to come on 60 minutes when Limerick’s Keith Earls became the 9th Irish player to win 100 International caps.

Here comes the centurion. Keith Earls receives a thunderous ovation as he replaces James Lowe to make his 100th appearance for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/x0NrFhhJhO

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

The loudness of that roar was bettered in the 73rd minute, however, when Earls dived into the corner to score the 36th international try of his career. His Munster comrade Jack Crowley converted from close to the touchline, giving Ireland a 29-10 victory.

What a moment! What a finish!

Keith Earls’ day just gets better as he goes over in the corner to blow the roof off the Aviva Stadium. pic.twitter.com/owLTS6018i

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

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