They deserve their flowers.
Outside of Ireland’s main crop of players, the ones who take the major share of the headlines, and the young stars and next-big-things, there are those who go about their business a bit more quietly and do not get the plaudits that their performances deserve.
Here is our 2024/2025 team of underrated Ireland gems.
Loosehead prop – Josh Wycherley (Munster)
Not a huge specimen by any means, but consistently punches above his weight at both scrum time and around the park.
Was huge in Munster’s epic last-16 win over La Rochelle, and deserves a call-up to the Ireland summer squad.
Hooker – Lee Barron (Leinster/Munster)
One of best lineout throwers in Ireland, if not the best, and exactly what Munster need.
His darts were crucial in their Champions Cup-securing win over Benetton.
Tighthead prop – Jack Aungier (Connacht)
Has quietly gone about his business and produced his best season to date.
Got ahead of Oli Jager in the Ireland pecking order and was rewarded with a call-up to the Six Nations squad.
Lock – Darragh Murray (Connacht)
A classic engine-room second row, who is great at set-piece.
Was a standout on the Emerging Ireland tour and could get a full cap this summer.
Lock – Ross Molony (Bath)
His move to the English Premiership has been a roaring success, playing 23 times and over 1000 minutes for Johan van Grann’s side.
He came off the bench in last Friday’s Challenge Cup final and will look to add a league title to his season’s trophy cabinet.
Blindside flanker – Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
One of the most important players at any of the four provinces.
His consistent excellence makes him a regular in Ireland squads.
Openside flanker – John Hodnett (Munster)
Obviously highly rated at Munster, but there’s a feeling that other fans don’t appreciate the quality he produces so often.
It will be shocking if he doesn’t make his Ireland debut this summer.
Number eight – Sean Jansen (Connacht)
Could also have gone for the province’s second-choice No 8, Paul Boyle.
Both men have been two of their better players this season.
Scrum-half – Caolin Blade (Connacht)
His two younger teammates, Ben Murphy and Matthew Devine, have deservedly taken much of the plaudits this season.
But the veteran is still a top operator, and should be looking at a move to Munster for next season, with Conor Murray’s retirement.
Out-half – Harry Byrne (Bristol Bears)
After years of injury woes, and suffering from the rise of Sam Prendergast and Ciarán Frawley, Byrne looked completely rejuvenated during his loan spell with Pat Lam’s Bristol side.
Will be looking to add to his Ireland tally over the next year.
Left wing – Shay McCarthy (Munster)
Hasn’t played a tonne this season but has slotted in admirably when asked.
He should perhaps look for a loan move abroad, given Munster’s options at wing.
Inside centre – Seán O’Brien (Munster)
Has mostly played wing since coming to Munster, but when his province were missing one of their best players in Alex Nankivell for the La Rochelle clash, O’Brien stepped in seamlessly at 12.
Outside centre – Dan Kelly (Leicester Tigers)
Has put to together an impressive season across the water, with Leicester second in the table heading into the last game of the regular season.
Will take some of the load of Tom Farrell at Munster for next season.
Right wing – Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster)
JOB has mainly been deployed on the left this season, but we had to include a Leinster player in our side, and the footballing utility back remains as classy as ever.
Fullback – Mike Lowry (Ulster)
Enjoyed his best season since he represented Ireland in 2021/2022.
He may add to that single cap this summer.
Underrated Ireland rugby XV:
- Josh Wycherley
- Lee Barron
- Jack Aungier
- Darragh Murray
- Ross Molony
- Cian Prendergast
- John Hodnett
- Sean Jansen
- Caolin Blade
- Harry Byrne
- Shay McCarthy
- Seán O’Brien
- Dan Kelly
- Jimmy O’Brien
- Mike Lowry
