Ireland call-ups for uncapped pair McNabney and Benson

Head coach Andy Farrell has named a 36-man squad for Ireland’s upcoming Nations Championship northern series, featuring two uncapped players in James McNabney and Jamie Benson. The selection, announced on Wednesday, follows anticipated lines with a familiar core group, although injuries have forced several adjustments. All but six of the players named were part of the 36-strong squad for the summer’s southern hemisphere tour. The new additions include Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, and Mack Hansen, who are returning from long-term injuries that kept them out of Test rugby since last November. This marks a significant shift from the previous cycle, where twenty of the current squad members participated in the World Cup three years ago. The inclusion of McNabney and Benson is directly linked to the unavailability of key regulars. Jack Conan suffered a shoulder injury during Leinster’s 48-23 victory over Clermont Auvergne last weekend, ruling him out for the November window. He joins Caelan Doris, Bryn Ward, Jack Crowley, and Harry Byrne on the injured list. Byrne has been restricted to just 30 minutes of rugby this season due to his own injury issues. These absences created openings for the Ulster duo. McNabney, 23, returns to the fold after missing the entire 2025/26 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Benson, 24, arrived at Ulster from Harlequins this summer and has already made four appearances for the province, covering center, out-half, and full-back roles. Farrell emphasized the value of experience alongside the fresh blood. He noted that Benson had attended a summer camp, allowing the coaching staff to assess his versatility. Regarding McNabney, Farrell stated that the forward had been in an alignment camp on August 31, indicating long-standing interest in his capabilities. Farrell described McNabney as a physical specimen who effectively uses his weight in open play. The head coach expressed excitement about giving both men their first opportunities while continuing to develop the players who have earned numerous caps over the past 18 months. The squad composition reflects a balance between proven performers and emerging talent. Twenty of the selected players were present at the recent World Cup, underscoring the stability of the group. However, the departures of players like Jeremy Loughman and Cormac Izuchukwu highlight the competitive nature of the selection process. Loughman missed out despite starting three games in the Six Nations and featuring in summer Tests against Australia and New Zealand. His exclusion is attributed to the return of Andrew Porter and the rapid progression of 20-year-old Billy Bohan. Similarly, the return of Ryan Baird, who suffered a broken leg in November of last year, displaced Izuchukwu and Tom Ahern. Baird’s athletic ability and effectiveness in aerial contests were cited as reasons for his reinstatement. Sam Illo’s retention in the prop position over Finlay Bealham was another point of contention, viewed by analysts as a definitive decision by the coaching staff. In the backline, the midfield quartet retains a tried-and-tested look, including 36-year-old Bundee Aki. Despite the presence of younger options such as Fintan Gunne, Matt Devine, and Colm O’Reilly, none secured a spot in the primary 36-man squad. These players, along with others, may find opportunities in the Ireland XV setup. The IRFU has confirmed that a development side will compete in three matches between now and late February. Their first fixture is against Fiji A in Cork on November 20, followed by games against Chile in Belfast and England A in Exeter during the Six Nations window. Mark Sexton, Ulster’s assistant coach, will lead the Ireland XV, supported by Jimmy Duffy, Jared Payne, and scrum coach Seamus Toomey. Provincial representation within the squad is led by Leinster, which contributes 17 players. Ulster provides nine, Connacht eight, and Munster two, specifically Tadhg Beirne and Craig Casey. Dan Sheehan will captain the team in the absence of Caelan Doris. The squad includes hookers Sheehan, Rónan Kelleher, and Tom Stewart. The front row features Porter, Tom O’Toole, Bohan, Tadhg Furlong, Thomas Clarkson, and Illo. Locks include James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, and Darragh Murray. The backrow consists of Baird, Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Sean Jansen, Nick Timoney, and McNabney. Scrumhalves are Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey, and Nathan Doak. Out-halves comprise Sam Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley, and Benson. Centers include Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, and Garry Ringrose. The outside back pack features Mack Hansen, Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Rob Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale, Hugo Keenan, and Jamie Osborne. Ireland begins its northern Nations Championship campaign against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, November 6, at 8:10 pm. They will host Fiji in Dublin on Saturday, November 14, at 8:10 pm. The series concludes with a match against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 21, at 4:40 pm. The Nations Championship Finals Weekend is scheduled for the following week at the Allianz Stadium in London. The coaching staff expects Conan, Crowley, and Byrne to recover in time for the Six Nations tournament and subsequent preparations for next year’s World Cup in Australia. The fluidity between the senior squad and the development side suggests continued movement in selections leading up to the major tournament.