Some team in fairness!
Naturally, after Andy Farrell announced his Autumn Nations Series squad, there was uproar from some quarters, with fans enraged that their favourite players from their province were not picked.
Well, we have put their fantasies to paper, with our selection of the best XV of players who missed out on the main Ireland squad.
Injured stars were not considered.
Loosehead prop – Michael Milne
One of the most surprising omissions, losing his spot to the uncapped Paddy McCarthy.
Will be hoping to make a statement for Ireland XV.
Hooker – Tom Stewart
Injuries have seen him fall down the pecking order in recent years, but an excellent start to the season with Ulster has been rewarded with the captaincy of the Ireland XV squad.
Tighthead prop – Tom O’Toole
An ever present member of Ireland squads under Andy Farrell, before the arrival of Tom Clarkson.
Lock – Darragh Murray
Shone for Ireland in his debut over the summer, and unlucky not to get the nod over Tom Ahern.
Lock – Fineen Wycherley
The Munster stalwart has looked like a man possessed this season, and will hope to add to his single cap over the next year.
Blindside flanker – Max Deegan
Also left out of the Ireland XV squad, Deegan is another who has fallen out of favour with the Ireland management.
Openside flanker – John Hodnett
Another ‘face doesn’t fit’ player.
Never gets a look in despite his consistent excellence for Munster.
Number eight – Gavin Coombes
Even after his starring performance in Munster’s epic win over Leinster, the unlucky backrower could not even make the Ireland XV selection.
Scrum-half – Nathan Doak
Should have been named in the main squad, and, form-wise, looks to have put distance between himself and the pack in pursuit of top dogs, Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey.
Out-half – Harry Byrne
Two man of the match awards already this season, and will be looking to put further pressure on Sam Prendergast for the starting Leinster jersey.
Left wing – Zac Ward
One of the most athletically gifted backs available.
He is still learning the the ropes in the professional XVs game, having joined from the 7s programme after the Paris Olympics.
Inside centre – Cathal Forde
Has moved ahead of Connacht teammate Hugh Gavin in the Ireland pecking order, after getting the nod for Ireland XV.
Outside centre – Dan Kelly
The former Leicester centre has taken to URC rugby like a fish to water.
Already a fan favourite in Munster.
Right wing – Robert Baloucoune
Largely forgotten in arguments these days over Ireland’s wing depth, mainly due to his constant injury issues.
But he reminded everyone of his class with a hat-trick for Ulster against the Lions on the weekend.
Fullback – Mike Lowry
Another rejuvenated Ulster man who has enjoyed a great start to the 2025/26 season.
Ireland XV of players left out of Autumn Nations Series squad:
- Michael Milne
- Tom Stewart
- Tom O’Toole
- Darragh Murray
- Fineen Wycherley
- Max Deegan
- John Hodnett
- Gavin Coombes
- Nathan Doak
- Harry Byrne
- Zac Ward
- Cathal Forde
- Dan Kelly
- Robert Baloucoune
- Mike Lowry
