Ex-England forward included in Munster-dominated Ireland XV squad but Gavin Coombes misses out
Munster prop Kieran Brookes named in Ireland XV squad captained by Gus McCarthy.
Ireland XV have announced a 28-man squad for their upcoming game against Fiji ‘A’ at Virgin Media Park, including nine Munster players.
One of those involved is former England international prop Kieran Brookes, who has impressed since moving to the URC outfit.
The tighthead prop is joined by Munster teammates Tom Ahern, Jack Aungier, Edwin Edogbo, Sean Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Michael Milne, Dan Kelly and Shay McCarthy in the side, but there is no inclusion for number eight Gavin Coombes, flanker Alex Kendellen or wing Shane Daly.
Second in the list of representation is Connacht with seven players, with Leinster and Ulster boasting six players apiece in the selection.
Cork clash
Coached by Mark Sexton, Ireland XV will return to action for the first of three matches during the season when they take on Fiji ‘A’ in Cork.
The game will take place on Friday, November 20 (kick-off 19:45 GMT).
The squad will be captained by Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and will assemble in Cork on Monday, November 16 to begin preparations.
The game will form part of a double-header at Virgin Media Park as Ireland U20s face off with Scotland U20s earlier in the evening at 5pm, with broadcast details for both matches to be confirmed in due course.
Speaking on the squad announcement, Ireland XV head coach Sexton said: “I am proud and excited to work with the Ireland XV squad for the forthcoming match against Fiji ‘A’ in Cork.
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“This will be a great opportunity to provide an ambitious playing group from across the four provinces with a meaningful fixture against what is a talented Fiji side.
“I know from my personal experience of coaching sides in Cork with the Ireland U20s how influential a vocal Cork and Munster supporter base can be and hopefully we can count on another big crowd.
“I’m looking forward to working with the coaching team and players over the coming weeks.
“This is a hugely important fixture for players to put their hands up and try to break into the senior Men’s squad and everyone will be motivated to be switched on and ready to take the chance to deliver in an Irish jersey.”
Ireland XV squad
Forwards (16): Tom Ahern (Munster), Jack Aungier (Munster), Paul Boyle (Connacht), Kieran Brookes (Munster), Will Connors (Connacht), Eoin de Buitléar (Connacht), Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Sean Edogbo (Munster), Brian Gleeson (Munster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster, captain), David McCann (Ulster), Michael Milne (Munster), Conor O’Tighearnaigh (Leinster), Scott Penny (Leinster), Alex Usanov (Leinster)
Backs (12): Joey Carbery (Leinster), Matthew Devine (Ulster), Cathal Forde (Connacht), Fintan Gunne (Leinster), James Hume (Ulster), Dan Kelly (Munster), Shay McCarthy (Munster), Ethan McIlroy (Ulster), Jack Murphy (Ulster), Daniel Ryan (Connacht), Finn Treacy (Connacht), Harry West (Connacht)
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