Jack Conan, the Ireland back row, has expressed his appreciation for head coach Andy Farrell and the cultural shift he has fostered within the team. This shift encourages open discussions about emotions, which Conan believes has strengthened team bonds and facilitated quicker integration for new players.

In a recent interview on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast, Conan shared Farrell's philosophy:

I want you to be open and say how you are feeling whether it's good or bad, no wrong answers.

Conan, who boasts 62 caps since his debut in 2015, also addressed his recent shoulder injury sustained during Leinster's Champions Cup victory over Clermont. Unfortunately, this injury will sideline him from Ireland's upcoming November Nations Championship matches against Argentina, Fiji, and South Africa.

As he recovers, Conan is motivated by a personal loss; his mother, Ann, passed away in August. He aims to honor her memory by enjoying his rugby, recalling her supportive texts before every game. "That’s a big thing for me now, enjoy it and make her proud," he reflected.

Though Conan acknowledges he is nearing the end of his career, he feels capable of continuing to compete. He stated, "Bar the injury, my body feels good. As I'm getting older, I'm not getting weaker." He remains determined to return to the field for the Six Nations and aspires to participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His passion for the game and the desire to compete drive him forward.