Ex-Ireland great blasts 'arrogant' Ireland claim in 49-word post

Former Ireland flanker turned pundit Stephen Ferris has poured cold water on recent suggestions from sections of the rugby media that Ireland have slipped into arrogance.

Various British media outlets have accused Ireland of being arrogant ahead of their Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff, driven largely by comments from an Irish radio segment suggesting Ireland could beat Wales with fewer players or even using their Under-20s.

In a Telegraph opinion piece headlined “Irish arrogance is becoming hard to ignore”, James Corrigan wrote: “Ireland received nothing out of it [the Off the Ball segment] but the bolstering of a perception that does their heroes no favours.

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“A senseless sneering snippet placed on top of an ever-expanding charge sheet of conceit…Of course, OTB does not represent rugby on the island, and fair dues to those writers experienced enough to remember when they were the championship whipping boys and for quickly pointing this out.

He goes on to write: “Alas, the stench of cockiness lingers ever more strongly and there seems an emerging fear that during the rise into the game’s elite echelons a former reputation has been sacrificed. Collective contempt is not a pretty look, especially among a fan base who previously added so much genuine humour and bonhomie to the occasion.”

Stephen Ferris isn’t having it.

In a tweet posted on his official account, the former Ulster back-row took aim at the arrogance label by highlighting Ireland’s dominance on the field over recent seasons.

“Reading a lot this morning about Ireland now being arrogant..(Welsh media),” Ferris wrote. “Won 18 of your last 20 games in the Six Nations and have scored on average over 4 tries a game, and beating Wales by more than 20 in last three encounters.. being good must make you arrogant..”

Ferris’s remarks come as Ireland seek to maintain their formidable run in Six Nations. Under head coach Andy Farrell and now Simon Easterby, the side have consistently produced strong performances, dispatching opponents with a flair and consistency not seen by Irish teams of past eras.

Some Welsh commentators, particularly following Ireland’s string of hefty victories over Wales, have taken Ireland’s self-assurance as a sign of complacency or haughtiness. This afternoon, the Welsh have their opportunity to serve Ireland a slice of humble pie.