Ireland: Andy Farrell risks the wrath of the fans as in-form youngsters miss out with another experienced squad named
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his wider Six Nations squad
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his wider 37-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations, with two uncapped players included.
The Men in Green head into this year’s Championship looking for an improvement on their third-place finish in 2025, as they seek a third title in four years.
Farrell has generally opted for the tried and tested once again with the squad led by Caelan Doris, although there are a few enforced changes due to injury.
Key players out
Andrew Porter, Robbie Henshaw, Mack Hansen, Ryan Baird and Paddy McCarthy are all on the sidelines.
As a result of injuries to Porter and McCarthy, Jeremy Loughman, Michael Milne and Jack Boyle are the loosehead options available to the head coach ahead of the Six Nations.
With Henshaw out, Bundee Aki, Stuart McCloskey and potentially Jamie Osborne will battle for a place alongside Garry Ringrose at centre.
There are two uncapped players in the shape of Munster’s Edwin Edogbo and Ulster’s Nathan Doak, while impressive provincial form has seen Tom Stewart, Robert Baloucoune and Harry Byrne earn recalls.
Ireland have decided not to take a chance on some in-form youngsters, however, with Joshua Kenny, Bryn Ward, Scott Wilson and Jude Postlethwaite all missing out, although Ward and Darragh Murray will be part of the Portugal training camp before joining up with the Ireland XV squad.
Zac Ward, slightly older at 27 but relatively inexperienced in 15s, is another who can consider himself unlucky.
James Lowe therefore retains his spot in the squad, despite his struggles for both Leinster and Ireland this season and will likely compete with Jacob Stockdale for the number 11 jersey.
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“I am delighted to announce the squad for the forthcoming Guinness Men’s Six Nations. I believe that we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks. The Six Nations is an incredible tournament which brings out the best in players, and I have no doubt that these fixtures will be keenly contested once more,” Farrell said.
“The competition levels across all of the opposing teams has never been higher and we have an exciting challenge first up away to France in Paris to kick things off.
“It will be a huge test as always, and I have no doubt that there will be a huge travelling support over from Ireland once more to cheer on the team in a wonderful stadium we know well from our experiences at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“The squad has evolved over the last 18 months, with 12 players making their international debuts over the last year alone, and I know how keen this group is to make its mark for Ireland.
“Led once more by Caelan (Doris), we know that we have to hit the ground running and we’re looking forward to regrouping on Sunday and meeting the challenges ahead in a positive frame of mind.
“In congratulating each of the players on their selection, I am also pleased to welcome back Mick Kearney as Team Manager. Mick is vastly experienced and has played a key role in mentoring a vast number of players for many years. I have no doubt that he will continue to positively influence the squad in this campaign and beyond.”
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Ireland Six Nations squad in full
Forwards: Tom Ahern, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (c), Edwin Edogbo, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Michael Milne, Tom O’Toole, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier
Backs: Bundee Aki, Robert Baloucoune, Harry Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Nathan Doak, Tom Farrell, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale
