Casey captains Ireland squad

NEWS: Munster scrumhalf Craig Casey has been named Ireland captain as Paul O’Connell announced his 32-man squad for the Tests against Georgia and Portugal.

The 18-Test-capped Casey will become the 112th player to captain the Irish team since 1875.

O’Connell has picked a squad that features a blend of experience and emerging talent, with 11 uncapped players named and three additional Ulster players included as training panellists for their trip to Tbilisi on July 5 and Lisbon on July 12.

Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O’Brien all have recent experience in the National Team environment and will be hoping to push for their debut caps this July, while Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin all earn their first senior call ups after impressing for their Provinces and the Emerging Ireland squad earlier this season.

After only recently returning from long-term injuries, Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection to allow them to focus on a full pre-season programme, while Robbie Henshaw was not available due to injury.

This will be the sixth time that Ireland will face Georgia, while it will be the inaugural international senior Men’s match against Portugal.

Looking ahead to the tour, O’Connell said: “I’m delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the Summer Tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July.

“Georgia has made great strides in recent years, and they have made a significant investment in their rugby programme, which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby.

“Under the experience of Richard Cockerill, they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backlin,e and they will provide a tough test for us. Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the World Cup 2023, and Simon Mannix is a Coach I know, having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence,e and we’re expecting another tough test.

“In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig (Casey) on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality, and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.”

Ireland Squad:

Forwards (18):

Tom Ahern (Munster)
Ryan Baird (Leinster)
Finlay Bealham (Connacht)
Jack Boyle (Leinster)
Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)
Gavin Coombes (Munster)
Max Deegan (Leinster)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster)
Alex Kendellen (Munster)
Gus McCarthy (Leinster)
Paddy McCarthy (Leinster)
Michael Milne (Munster)
Darragh Murray (Connacht)
Tom O’Toole (Ulster)
Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
Stephen Smyth (Leinster)
Tom Stewart (Ulster)
Nick Timoney (Ulster)

Backs (14):

Shayne Bolton (Connacht)
Craig Casey (Munster – captain)
Jack Crowley (Munster)(
Nathan Doak (Ulster)
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
Hugh Gavin (Connacht)
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)
Ben Murphy (Connacht)
Calvin Nash (Munster)
Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster)
Tommy O’Brien (Leinster)
Jamie Osborne (Leinster)
Sam Prendergast (Leinster)
Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

Training Panellists:

James McNabney (Ulster)
Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster)
Zac Ward (Ulster)