Simon Easterby includes two senior Ireland squad players in Emerging team for South African tour

Simon Easterby has announced his 33-man Emerging Ireland squad for next month’s highly anticipated three-match tour to South Africa.

Easterby, who has been appointed to coach Ireland’s senior side on an interim basis from December 1 while Andy Farrell takes charge of the British & Irish Lions for their tour to Australia in 2025, has named Munster back-rower Alex Kendellen as Emerging Ireland’s captain.

Kendellen is no stranger to the leadership position as he has has previously skippered the Ireland U20 side.

Ireland squad players also included

Meanwhile, Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast and Ulster second-rower Cormac Izuchukwu, who toured South Africa with Farrell’s senior Ireland squad in July, have also been included in Easterby‘s group.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) issued a statement which read: “Head coach Simon Easterby has today named a 33-player Emerging Ireland squad for the upcoming three-match tour to South Africa.

“Easterby, along with the national coaching team, have identified high potential players from across the four provinces to assemble for camp at the IRFU high performance centre next week, before departing for Bloemfontein on Saturday, 28 September.

“Munster’s Alex Kendellen, who previously captained Ireland U20s, has been named as tour captain.

“Two players who were part of Andy Farrell‘s Ireland squad for the recent Summer tour of South Africa – Sam Prendergast and Cormac Izuchukwu – are included in the travelling party, while former Ireland U20 captains Gus McCarthy and Evan O’Connell are named by head coach Easterby.

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“Ulster forward Izuchukwu is one of two players set for their second Emerging Ireland tour alongside Leinster back-row James Culhane.

“Emerging Ireland will face the Pumas in their campaign opener on Wednesday, October 2, before going head-to-head with Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, October 6.

“Easterby’s side will then conclude the tour against defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9, with all matches being played at Toyota Stadium.

“The tour schedule is designed to challenge the players in a national team environment, providing them with a window to impress the coaches and train and play to the national team’s tactical and technical approach, while presenting them with access to meaningful game time in a green jersey.”

Emerging Ireland Squad

Forwards: Jack Aungier, Jack Boyle, James Culhane, Jordan Duggan, Sean Edogbo, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Jansen, Alex Kendellen (c), Gus McCarthy, Darragh Murray, Evan O’Connell, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Danny Sheahan, Harry Sheridan, Stephen Smyth, Alex Soroka, Scott Wilson

Backs: Shayne Bolton, Hugh Cooney, Ethan Coughlan, Matthew Devine, Cormac Foley, Hugh Gavin, Jack Murphy, Tommy O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Ben O’Connor, Andrew Osborne, Jude Postlethwaite, Sam Prendergast, Rob Russell, Zac Ward

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