The revolution in Irish rugby in the last decade and a half has transformed a squad of also-rans into a side other countries aspire to ape
In the last decade or so, Ireland have moved the dial in people's perceptions, from plucky also-rans to elite, clinical professionals
The dust has well and truly settled on another year of international rugby, so here's a XV of some of the world's standout youngsters from recent times.
IRFU boss David Nucifora has never talked to ex-Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who has been in charge at London Irish since March 2018.
Having christened him The Cat in the Ulster academy, Willie Anderson is predicting big things for Ireland newcomer Robert Baloucoune.
Ex-Ireland skipper Willie Anderson had graphically recalled the V-shaped advance he infamously led towards an All Blacks haka in 1989.
The England v Ireland games were always feisty affairs according to 48-cap Lions prop Nick Popplewell
Willie Anderson created headlines when he led a v-shaped Ireland advance at Lansdowne Road into the haka of Buck Shelford’s 1989 New Zealand.
Thirteen years have passed since Ireland struck age-grade Six Nations gold, clinching the 2007 U20s Grand Slam in Italy with a team featuring current Test stars Keith Earls and Cian Healy.
England have been fined for crossing the halfway line in their response to New Zealand’s haka before last week’s World Cup semifinal.