Munster scrum-half Craig Casey will lead an inexperienced Ireland side on their two-Test European tour this summer, with 11 uncapped players named in the 32-man squad.
The wider training squad also features three training panellists, in the form of James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward.
This was always going to be a time of transition for Ireland, with 15 players headed on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia alongside four of their front-line coaching staff. Paul O’Connell will serve as head coach for the two-Test series, where Ireland will play Portugal and Georgia.
Ireland name fresh-faced 32-man squad for summer tour
Casey will become the 112th player to captain the men in green this summer, with the scrum-half one of the most experienced players within this fresh-faced squad.
The uncapped cohort of Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy, Tommy O’Brien, Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin will all look to push their name into contention for futher honours, as Ireland begin to set their sights on the future.
Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection after only just recovering from injury, while Robbie Henshaw was unavailable for selection due to his own injury concerns.
Commenting on his selection, interim boss O’Connell said: “I’m delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the Summer Tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July.
“Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. Under the experience of Richard Cockerill they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a Coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we’re expecting another tough test.
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“With 15 players away with the British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team. A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it’s important that everyone grasps the challenge that’s ahead of them. Every moment on the training field and across the two-match Series will count and there’s a great opportunity for players to step up and impress.
“In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig (Casey) on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.”
Ireland touring party in full
Forwards (18): Tom Ahern, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Gavin Coombes, Max Deegan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Alex Kendellen, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Michael Milne, Darragh Murray, Tom O’Toole, Cian Prendergast, Stephen Smyth, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney
Backs (14): Shayne Bolton, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Nathan Doak, Ciaran Frawley, Hugh Gavin, Stuart McCloskey, Ben Murphy, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Jacob Stockdale
Training panellists: James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite, Zac Ward
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/british-and-irish-lions-snub-to-lead-inexperienced-ireland-on-summer-tour-with-11-uncapped-players-named
