Would you agree that "Golden age" of Irish rugby is over?

No. We're only getting started.

I think it's definitely looking likely. We've had the joy of having some class players, but there getting on in age and whether what's coming behind them is at the level is very debatable.

This was our team ages in the 6 nations game against England and their current age. Huge question marks on our future backline and what it will be at the next World Cup. L

1 Andrew Porter - 28

2 Dan Sheehan - 25

3 Tadhg Furlong - 31

4 Joe McCarthy - 23

5 Tadhg Beirne - 32

6 Peter O’Mahony (Captain) - 34

7 Josh van der Flier - 31

8 Caelan Doris - 26

Backs

9 Jamison Gibson-Park - 32

10 Jack Crowley - 24

11 James Lowe - 31

12 Bundee Aki - 34

13 Robbie Henshaw - 31

14 Calvin Nash - 26

15 Hugo Keenan - 27

The noughties team were literally called "the golden generation" and I genuinely believe we had more talented players (well backs anyway) in the noughties than we do now. However we didn't have the depth or the team continuity.

Anyway, I digress. Its been a disappointing season domestically, but Ireland still won the 6Ns title at a canter so no it isn't the end of an era.

That said England will likely be stronger next season and France definitely will be with Dupont and Ntamacak back, but we play both at home. Domestically Leinster need a 10, Munster need some cutting edge in the backs, Ulster need to be properly coached and Connacht should see a lot more of Aki and Hansen next season which should strengthen them, let's see what happens.

there's one trend i've noticed with irish players. they often burst on to the scene, become known as world class, then deflate and spend the next few years a shadow of the short period of peak performance they once had.

Fundamentals are all good for Ireland. I think we've already seen that Ireland's fortunes are not indexed to the provinces and even of Leinster are in decline, which seems clear, Ireland aren't necessarily destined to follow. We won the 6N playing well for maybe half of it in a year when France were brutal and England took us to the cleaners, but we won. SA will tell us whether the Leinster contingent can compartmentalise as needed, though I didn't like seeing the scrum (ex Beirne) get owned by a 3rd tier staffer pack today.

I think this wave is over. Leinster aren't reaching the highs they should with the talent they have, Munster losing some talent, Connacht being poor this year (granted MH injured for most of it) but Ulster resurgent. I think it will take a season of rebuilding for all four provinces and then we will start to see the wave rise again.

I hope the provinces and national coaches have a strategy for replacing Lowe, Aki, Furlong and others reaching the twilight of their careers.

Edit: just looked back at the age profile list near the start of the thread and I think there needs to be some serious national team preparation for the coming years.