Ireland's squad has been named for the upcoming Six Nations, with a host of great players not fancied or missing through injury.
Our XV, made up of the best not, selected shows the impressive depth that we have in the country.
Thankfully, many of our side have been named in the Ireland XV squad to take on England 'A'.
The most disappointing injury, given how well the youngster was developing.
Despite only having four caps to his name, he is still a massive loss.
The form of Ulster's Tom Stewart has made sure that Leinster don't have three hookers in the main squad.
While he would have played at loosehead had he been fit, he briefly returned to the other side of the scrum for Leinster recently.
With the talent coming through at No 1, a permanent move back to tighthead is on the cards.
The veteran is the most surprising omission from the squad, given that he has been an ever-present for over a decade.
We may have seen the last of him in green.
Another devastating blow for a man who has now missed out a number of times through injury.
Thankfully the 25-year-old has time on the side.
Ireland's biggest loss through injury after being their standout performer during the Autumn.
John Hodnett is usually the man for team like these, but Ward's recent form wins out.
Not only has he been selected in the Ireland XV squad, but will also train with the senior squad during their Portugal camp.
The poster boy for players who have been hard done by with selection over the years.
It has happened so many times now that most fans are numb to it and do not feel disappointment.
Either of his Connacht teammates, Caolin Blade and Matthew Devine, could have been named here.
There is serious depth at No 9 out west.
Unfortunately, he is stuck behind four international fly-halves.
Fortunately, they have all been picked in the main squad, guaranteeing him a starting spot against England 'A'.
Despite being uncapped, his omission was slightly surprising given how he has snuck ahead of James Lowe in the Leinster pecking order.
Expect him to be capped before the year-end.
We never wish to see a player injured, but Henshaw missing out may improve Ireland in the long term.
It is high time that Jamie Osborne was given time at 12.
Given the age profile of Ireland's centres, Farrell needs to start seriously thinking about new blood.
He's another player who should be capped before the end of 2026.
The most disappointing omission from the main squad, given the type of excitement he brings out wide with his ability to beat defenders.
Another Munster player who has never been fancied by Farrell.
A classy operator.
Explore more on these topics:
Share
21st January 2026
04:50pm GMT
