Has an ageing squad been exposed by Les Bleus, or was Saturday's French thrashing merely a blip for the venerated green machine?
Garry Ringrose has signed a new contract with Ireland and Leinster that will run until the end of the 2027/28 season.
As a soccer-mad country, Italians are well versed in putting boot to ball and the country's rugby team are keen to follow type, as highlighted by the post-match stats from their 22-15 win over Wales.
Ireland centre Bundee Aki has signed a one-year contract extension with Connacht and the Irish Rugby Football Union which will run until the end of the 2025/26 season.
A perennial problem for Irish rugby is once again rearing its ugly head.