Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu could be in line for his first Ireland cap next month after being named in Andy Farrell’s squad for the November international series, while injured hooker Rob Herring has also been included on the panel.
Izuchukwu, who received his first call-up for the summer’s tour to South Africa but did not feature against the Springboks, is retained after going on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa earlier this month and is one of just two uncapped players in the squad.
Meanwhile, Herring, who hasn’t played a game this season due to a calf injury, has been named in the squad and looks set for significant game time with Dan Sheehan ruled out, although Rónan Kelleher has recovered to be included in the 35-man list.
Ulster have seven players in the squad, with captain Iain Henderson recalled after missing the tour to South Africa due to a toe injury, while prop Tom O’Toole, back row Nick Timoney, centre Stuart McCloskey and winger Jacob Stockdale all retained.
Scrum-half Nathan Doak, a late call-up to the summer touring squad, is the only player who drops out, while it is something of a surprise to see back row David McCann not included, not just in the senior squad but also among a group of five training panellists, who will link up with the team but not be eligible for selection.
Leinster number eight Caelan Doris has been confirmed to be taking over the captaincy for the four games against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia after replacing Peter O’Mahony in the role for the summer series, with Farrell switching things up.
O’Mahony has missed most of the season for Munster due to a hamstring injury, which likely helped the decision, but his role had already been in doubt as his position in the starting line-up became more at risk.
Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast is the other uncapped player in the squad, alongside Izuchukwu, while Leinster scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and Connacht winger Mack Hansen return after missing the two games against South Africa through injury.
There is also a return to the international XVs scene for full-back Hugo Keenan, who opted to represent Ireland at the Olympics in the Sevens format rather than tour but Jack Conan is a notable absentee through injury and Max Deegan also has missed out.
Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade, Munster prop Oli Jager and Leinster wingers Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O’Brien are the ones who miss out this time after travelling to the southern hemisphere in the summer.
“The challenge that awaits us this November is one of the toughest we could face and I would like to congratulate each of the players on their selection,” said Farrell in a press release.
“There is a blend of youth and experience, but all of the players are selected on merit carried from their form in recent months from the summer tour, the early rounds of the URC and at the Emerging Ireland Tour.
“While some of the players have been sidelined of late, collectively they are making positive strides on the injury front and we are hopeful that they will come into the selection frame over the course of the coming weeks as they ramp up their respective rehab programmes.
“The Emerging Ireland Tours have presented a crop of less experienced players with the opportunity to impress and it was great to see a number of them take their chance. We have selected a further five uncapped players as Training Panellists in the extended panel and look forward to seeing them train up close over the coming weeks as they take the next steps in their playing careers.
“The Autumn Nations Series gives us the chance to play at home over four consecutive weekends, and with two Friday night games first up against New Zealand and Argentina, followed by Fiji and the IRFU’s 150th anniversary Test against Australia, it promises to be a cracking atmosphere next month at a packed Aviva Stadium.”
Leinster captain Doris told the union he was delighted to take over from O’Mahony.
“It is an enormous honour to be named Ireland captain and I am excited about leading the squad into battle over the coming weeks. I am very fortunate to have had so much support from my family and friends and many others along the way from Mayo to Blackrock and on to Leinster and Ireland,” he said.
“I am extremely proud to lead this squad and I know that there’s an experienced group of leaders who will work hard to achieve success in the weeks ahead. We have a special group of players and I am confident that there are bright days to come as we build up for four huge Tests at Aviva Stadium.”
Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).
Training Panellists: Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Alex Kendellen (Munster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster).