Ireland name two uncapped players in Nations Championship squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named two uncapped players in Ireland’s 36-man squad for their November Nations Championship fixtures, with Ulster duo Jamie Benson and James McNabney earning their first senior call-ups.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland in their three home Tests at the Aviva Stadium against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.

Ireland open their campaign against Argentina on Friday, November 6, before facing Fiji and the Springboks on successive Saturdays. The Nations Championship Finals Weekend will follow at Allianz Stadium in London.

Ulster duo earn maiden call-ups

Out-half Benson and back-row forward McNabney are the only uncapped players in Farrell’s squad, taking Ulster’s representation to nine players.

Benson adds another option at fly-half, while McNabney joins a back-row group featuring Ryan Baird, Cian Prendergast, Sean Jansen, Nick Timoney and Josh van der Flier. His selection is particularly encouraging after an ACL injury ruled him out for the entirety of last season.

Gibson-Park included as four return

Scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park has been included alongside Craig Casey and Nathan Doak, while Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen and Tommy O’Brien return after missing Ireland’s summer tour.

Several players remain unavailable through injury, including Jack Conan, Bryn Ward, Harry Byrne, Jack Boyle, Jack Crowley, Caelan Doris, Iain Henderson, Paddy McCarthy and Calvin Nash. Jeremy Loughman, Cormac Izuchukwu and Zac Ward are also absent from the squad.

Leinster
Ryan Baird, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Furlong,Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Rónan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Andrew Porter, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan (captain), Josh van der Flier.

Ulster
Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Benson*, Nathan Doak, Stuart McCloskey,
James McNabney*, Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney.

Connacht
Bundee Aki, Billy Bohan, Mack Hansen, Sam Illo, Sean Jansen,
Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley,

Munster
Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey.

* Uncapped player.

Ireland’s November fixtures (All three matches take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin)

Friday, November 6
Ireland v Argentina
Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday, November 14
Ireland v Fiji
Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday, November 21
Ireland v South Africa
Aviva Stadium, Dublin