We picked our 33-man Ireland squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

They can go the whole way!

Props

Tom O'Toole was the big winner from the Six Nations, taking his opportunity with aplomb.

Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle haven't seen much game time in green, but it is fair to assume that they will be on the plane next year.

At tighthead, we are predicting, as are many, that Andrew Porter will make the switch back the other side of the scrum.

Tadhg Furlong and Tom Clarkson make up what has the potential to be one of the prop units in the competition.

Hooker

Not much to say here.

Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher don't look like getting usurped.

Tom Stewart and Gus McCarthy will fight it out for the last spot.

Second row

Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan are practically guaranteed their places, as three of Ireland's most experienced and consistent performers.

If Edwin Edgobo can stay fit and continue his upward trajectory, he could make the match-day 23.

Darragh Murray and Cormac Izuchukwu will be in the running as well.

Back row

Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan are all nailed on.

The next generation of backrowers - Brian Gleeson, James McNabney, Bryn Ward and Ruadhán Quinn - have not quite broken through yet, but with Gleeson possessing the most potential, we'll back him as a dark horse.

Nick Timoney has shown his worth as an impact sub, while Tom Ahern will be pushing hard if he can stay fit.

Half-back

Both Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast look likely to travel to Aus.

Harry Byrne will be hoping for game time in November to stake his claim, with Ciarán Frawley holding the versatility trump card.

Despite underperforming in recent months, Craig Casey is still favourite to be Jamison Gibson-Park's back-up.

The third-choice is still very much up for grabs, with Nathan Doak currently leading the race.

However, Matthew Devine's move to Ulster could work wonders for him, and he may make a late push if he can usurp Doak at his new club.

Centre

Only injuries will keep Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose off the plane, while Jamie Osborne should shift back to centre when Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen return from their injuries.

At least one of Robbie Henshaw or Bundee Aki will likely make it, but we've gone for the speculative choice of Hugh Gavin.

The Connacht man rose swiftly through the ranks from U20s to his senior debut last summer, however a loss of form and injuries have moved him back down the queue.

He is a player with the potential to move the needle for Ireland.

Back three

Robert Baloucoune's stunning Six Nations has put him as one of Ireland's most important and game-changing players.

Mack Hansen's consistent injury woes are worrying, but he's a shoo-in when fit.

The final wing spot will likely go to one of Tommy O'Brien, Jacob Stockdale or James Lowe, with Hugo Keenan guaranteed as Ireland's first-choice fullback.

Ireland 2027 World Cup squad

Prop:

Paddy McCarthy, Tom O'Toole, Jack Boyle, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Clarkson.

Hooker:

Dan Sheehan, Rónan Kelleher, Tom Stewart.

Second row:

Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Edwin Edogbo.

Backrow:

Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Nick Timoney, Caelan Doris, Brian Gleeson.

Scrum-half:

Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey, Matthew Devine.

Out-half:

Jack Crowley, Sam Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley.

Centre:

Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne, Garry Ringrose, Hugh Gavin.

Back three:

Mack Hansen, Robert Baloucoune, Tommy O'Brien, Hugo Keenan.