The IRFU has always highlighted the importance of the Six Nations because it is the cash cow that funds everything else in Irish rugby. The assumption is Farrell’s absence is not going to hurt Ireland’s chances of defending the title the team won earlier this year.

Andy Farrell signs off for Lions duty as late Ireland comeback thwarts Australia - Hooker Gus McCarthy scores match-winning try as Joe Schmidt foiled on return to Dublin

Ireland boss Andy Farrell intends to embrace the hype surrounding the first of four meetings with Joe Schmidt’s Australia and insists his upcoming stint with the British and Irish Lions is not a “distraction”.

Andy Farrell tips ‘second to none’ Ireland coaches to excel in his absence - Simon Easterby has taken over from head coach Farrell on an interim basis.

Andy Farrell doesn't believe that his Ireland team struggle with the favourites tag despite another lacklustre performance to end their Autumn Nations Series.

It is debatable whether the better team came away with the spoils from the Aviva on Saturday, following a match low on attacking quality but heavy in honest endeavour.