Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has announced a 36-man squad for the Guinness Six Nations, with uncapped Leinster prop Jack Boyle making the cut.
The 22-year-old has been included in place of Ulster’s Tom O’Toole, who is suspended for Ireland’s first two matches following a red card against Munster.
Easterby steps in as head coach while Andy Farrell oversees the British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia. The squad maintains continuity from the autumn, with a few notable additions and returns from injury.
Hooker Dan Sheehan and wing James Lowe, both recovering from injuries, are set to rejoin the squad on January 26, pending successful fitness checks.
Sheehan has been sidelined with an ACL injury sustained during last summer’s South Africa tour, while Lowe has been out with a calf problem since November’s victory over Australia.
Jimmy O’Brien and Jack Conan are also back in the lineup following their respective injuries.
Meanwhile, Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade has been included as third-choice behind Jamison Gibson-Park and Conor Murray, filling the gap left by Craig Casey, who is recovering from a knee issue.
The squad also features uncapped development players Hugh Cooney, James McNabney, Ben Murphy, and Cathal Forde, reflecting a commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Easterby expressed excitement about the competition, stating, “The Guinness Six Nations is one of the most keenly contested competitions in the global calendar, and there’s great excitement across the playing group and coaching team for this year’s tournament.”
He also highlighted the importance of starting strong: “The thing about the Six Nations is that you have to hit the ground running... Facing England at home in the first round sharpens everyone’s mind to what will be a big task ahead.”
Ireland will aim for a record third consecutive Championship title, beginning their campaign at the Aviva Stadium against England on February 1.
Ireland squad:
Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (c), Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier
Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose