Ireland went to the 2023 rugby world cup as the number one ranked team in the world. They were the reigning grand slam holders; and still they came home early.

Getting to the last four of the World Cup has become a national obsession. But is this the only measure of success? In Touching Distance, Brendan Fanning, one of the game's most authoritative voices, shines a piercing light on every corner of the Irish rugby system, from grassroots to green jersey, illuminating the fine lines and thin margins between success and failure.

From the breakthrough years of Eddie O'Sullivan to men of massive influence like Joe Schmidt and Stuart Lancaster, with David Nucifora - the first tsar of Irish rugby in the pro era - through to Andy Farrell, the man in whom Irish fans' hopes now rest, no stone is left unturned in Fanning's revealing and absorbing narrative.

With the clock already counting down to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where are Ireland on their quest for the top? And is glory finally within reach?

'A hugely enjoyable book that gives a fascinating insight into what's been going on behind the curtain of Irish rugby over the last 20 years.' SHANE HORGAN

'Smart, incisive and packed with great stories. Most of what I know about rugby I've learned from reading Brendan Fanning.' PAUL HOWARD

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• SportRugby

• Publication Date: October 23, 2025
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 299 Pages
• File Size: 21 KB