Jacob Stockdale included in Ireland's Six Nations squad

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has included Jacob Stockdale in the squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Stockdale last played for Ireland during the summer of 2021 with injuries hampering his performance after an outstanding 2017 and 2018 season.

Robbie Henshaw and Rob Baloucoune are unavailable for selection due to injuries while Joey Carbery a notable absentee with Ross Byrne and Jack Crowley being preferred as a back up for Johnny Sexton.

Apart from Carbery, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune and James Hume also miss out on the selection but Ian Henderson is included despite missing Ulster's recent European game against Sale Sharks due to a concussion.

"While there are a few players carrying knocks and others that have missed out on selection for the start of the tournament, they will have the opportunity to push their case playing for their provinces in the URC over the coming weeks as no doubt we will need to call upon the wider group as the tournament progresses," said Farrell.

"The Six Nations is a huge competition for us and another opportunity for us to grow as group."

Ireland will begin their Six Nations campaign with a clash against Wales on 4th February at Aviva Stadium.

Ireland squad:

Backs: Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton, Jacob Stockdale

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier