Rugby Union Today: Ireland announce World Cup squad

Colin Newboult

South Africa born Jean Kleyn (third right) makes his Ireland debut during the Guinness Summer Series match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt named his 31-man World Cup squad which will head to Japan. 

What’s on the site

Ireland will go to the World Cup without the experienced Devin Toner, with Joe Schmidt instead naming South African-born Munster lock Jean Kleyn in the 31-man squad. Will Addison and Kieran Marmion also miss out with Chris Farrell and Luke McGrath among those included.

Addison was one of the players to impress for Schmidt’s men at the weekend and, as a result, was named in our Team of the Week. There were five Irishmen in total, while Scotland and France were also rewarded for their victories at the weekend.

Those games are discussed in ‘who’s hot and who’s not,’ which talks about Jack Carty’s excellent performance for the Emerald Isle and Rory Hutchinson’s two-try display for the Scots in Georgia.

What’s in the news

Jack Nowell has suffered another setback ahead of the World Cup after having his appendix removed last week. The England wing spent four nights in hospital following surgery before he was released on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sekope Kepu has announced that he will retire from international duty after the World Cup in Japan. Although the prop is moving to London Irish, Kepu would still be eligible for the Wallabies under “Giteau’s Law.”

Finally, Highlanders fly-half Josh Ioane has been called into the All Blacks’ squad for this weekend’s Test against Tonga as injury cover for current incumbent Richie Mo’unga.

What’s on social media

Interestingly, World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot – a regular critic of the residency law – has weighed into the debate over Jean Kleyn’s selection for Ireland.

What’s on TV

It is the final weekend of the World Cup warm-ups and England’s game against Italy at St James’ Park will be televised on Sky Sports.

They also have the New Zealand v Tonga encounter, while all the Mitre 10 Cup and Currie Cup action will be broadcast on that channel.

In Dublin, Ireland and Wales go head-to-head and that match takes place on Channel 4, while Premier Sports have Scotland’s return fixture versus Georgia.