Schmidt names first Ireland squad

Editor

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has included three uncapped players in a 34-man-squad for the forthcoming November Internationals.

Ireland have included three uncapped players in a 34-man-squad for the forthcoming November Internationals.

Joe Schmidt's team will face off against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand in the Aviva Stadium next month.

The make-up of the squad is consistent with recent years. The sole exile included is British and Irish Lions out-half Johnny Sexton from Racing Metro.

There are three uncapped players included in the squad. David Kearney who was on the bench for Ireland back in 2012, is included alongside Jack McGrath and James Coughlan.

Those unavailable through injury, including Stephen Ferris, Richardt Strauss, Tommy O'Donnell, Jordi Murphy and Simon Zebo have unfortunately been added to over the weekend with Donnacha Ryan (knee) and Iain Henderson (toe) also ruled out.

“The squad combines players who have shown form in the domestic season mixed with those who have a proven record at international level,” said Schmidt.

“As always there were some very difficult decisions. Some players have had limited opportunity to impress due to injury and others have performed very well and it was difficult to leave them out.

“The internationals will demand plenty from the squad and I know they'll be motivated by the challenge.”

Ireland Squad:

Forwards: Stephen Archer, Rory Best, James Coughlan, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Mike Ross, Mike Sherry, Devin Toner, Dan Tuohy.

Backs: Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Luke Marshall, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Brian O'Driscoll, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton.