A rain-drenched 34–5 win over Georgia in Tbilisi might have added several new faces to Ireland’s international books, but much of the post-match discussion has centred not on debutants but on a player who barely featured: Jack Crowley.
Crowley, who started at fly-half for Ireland throughout the 2024 Six Nations, was afforded just nine minutes off the bench in Saturday’s victory, sparking widespread frustration among supporters, particularly those of a Munster persuasion.
In sodden conditions, Sam Prendergast was handed the No.10 jersey and steered Ireland effectively enough, racking up 14 points from the tee. His deft kicking helped set up two early tries for debutant Tommy O’Brien, and his overall control in difficult weather conditions was steady, if unspectacular.
But as the game wore on and Ireland began to pull clear, many fans were puzzled by interim head coach Paul O’Connell’s decision to hold Crowley back until the final stages—particularly on a night when other players were handed full debuts and the result was long since secured.
Former Ireland and Ulster centre Andrew Trimble said on Virgin Media: “I thought it was odd. I thought that at 70 minutes the fact that Prendergast was still running around—and at one stage he was struggling with cramp! It was really unusual.
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“We were talking about all the nuances of his [Prendergast’s] game, but ultimately, how you see how he played tonight depends on whether you are red or blue. Munster supporters will be up in arms that he was still on at 70 minutes and we didn’t get to see Jack Crowley.”
Former Leinster and Ireland star Ian Madigan agreed: “I think it’s an odd call if he [Jack Crowley] doesn’t start next week.”
The confusion over O’Connell only giving Crowley nine minutes of pitch time was echoed across social media. Rugby journalist Philip Bendon summed up the feeling in a post on X: “The lack of investment in Jack Crowley is baffling and could really cost Ireland. Still comfortably our best 10, yet only got 9 minutes tonight, yet he still immediately got the backline humming with his ability to take the ball to the line.”
That sentiment was echoed by plenty of others online, including Philip Andrew O’Reilly, who posted: “Andy Farrell brings his son on a Lions tour to Australia who hasn’t played international rugby in 2 years. Meanwhile back in Ireland he instructs his replacements to continue with the failed Prendergast experiment which results in Jack Crowley getting 9 minutes.”
It’s not the first time Crowley’s usage has raised eyebrows.
Since helping steer Ireland to a Six Nations title in 2024, the 25-year-old has found himself largely taking up a bench role behind Prendergast—a starting spot seemingly elusive despite his strong form for both province and country.
In contrast, the Tbilisi Test saw several new names receive extensive minutes. Tommy O’Brien had a dream debut with two tries, while Crowley’s teammate Craig Casey marked his first match as captain with a second-half score. Debuts were also handed out to forwards Tom Ahern and Jack Aungier.
But the lack of game time for Crowley stood out, particularly to those who view him as Ireland’s best hope at fly-half heading into the 2027 World Cup cycle.
With Andy Farrell currently in Australia as part of the British and Irish Lions coaching team, it’s unclear how much of a say he had in Crowley’s late introduction. But with public scrutiny intensifying, a start against Portugal is surely a given. Surely?
