Away from the glitz and glamour of a tour to one of the ‘big four’ in the Southern Hemisphere, Paul O’Connell’s Irish squad is set to embark on arguably its most important mid-World Cup cycle tour.

Tackling Georgia and Portugal, a young Irish squad bereft of its significant British and Irish Lions contingent, will turn the page toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

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Bundled in amongst the 32-man squad are some of the most exciting young talents in Irish Rugby, as well as several experienced veterans.

Now, just over three weeks out from the kickoff of the first test, we take a deep dive into the squad from all angles.

Notable Absentees

With only 32 spots up for grabs, some notable names were always going to miss out — and a few will feel hard done by.

On the top of that list is John Hodnett, who impressed for Munster and was briefly involved in the Ireland camp during the Six Nations as injury cover. 

Despite standout performances and two Emerging Ireland caps, the powerful 6-foot, 105-kilogram backrower is still waiting for his full test debut. Instead, Alex Kendellen — also from Munster and a former U20 captain — got the nod.

Tom Farrell also can feel unlucky. 

At 31, his age may count against him, but based on form, few Irish centers were better this season. He stepped up brilliantly for Munster in Antoine Frisch’s absence and was key to igniting the team's back line.

Michael Lowry, capped and once a rising star, is another big omission. 

The electric Ulster fullback has been caught in his province’s struggles, but his footwork, pace and grit — despite his small frame — still make him a dangerous threat. Next season, under Richie Murphy and Mark Sexton, could be a key turning point.

Other notable omissions include Leinster No. 8 James Culhane, who stood out in limited opportunities, along with the likes of Alex Soroka, Scott Penny, Harry Sheridan, James McNabney and Diarmuid Kilgallen — all potential wildcards who didn’t make the cut.

Potential Lions

With two weeks to go before their pre-tour clash against Argentina, Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad already is calling in reinforcements as injuries mount. 

Given the toll of a long season, more call-ups are almost inevitable as the tour approaches.

Among those on standby, Craig Casey leads the charge. The Munster captain likely would've made the original squad if not for injury—his form this season has been outstanding.

Other fringe contenders include Jack Crowley, Ryan Baird, Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne and Jimmy O’Brien. 

Crowley, in particular, looks primed to edge out Sam Prendergast. The young Leinster fly-half has struggled with fatigue and defensive lapses late in the season, while Crowley has bounced back strong and brings valuable versatility.

Baird’s explosive recent form and ability to cover both lock and flanker make him a dark horse for a test spot. 

Meanwhile, McCloskey, Osborne and O’Brien all are proven performers whom Farrell has trusted in big moments for Ireland.

Don’t be surprised if a few of these names are wearing red before summer’s end.

Leadership Void Opens New Chapter For Ireland

With several key figures sidelined or with the Lions, Paul O’Connell’s squad enters tour duty at a crossroads—one that offers a fresh start for Ireland’s next wave of leaders.

Caelan Doris, James Ryan, Garry Ringrose, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne and Tadhg Furlong all are out, while legends Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony have retired. The stage is set for new voices to step up.

Craig Casey, long tipped as a future captain, is closing the gap on Jamison Gibson-Park and could solidify his case with a strong tour and continued momentum at Munster. A November showdown for Ireland’s No. 9 jersey could be on the cards.

Up front, Ryan Baird is another standout. His growing role as a line-out leader, and his physical edge this season make him a natural heir to O’Mahony’s influence.

Also in the mix: Connacht captain Cian Prendergast and former U20 skippers Gus McCarthy and Alex Kendellen—each ready to stake their claim in Ireland’s evolving leadership group.

Players At A Crossroads

In Irish rugby folklore, it’s said it’s harder to get out of the national team than into it, a nod to the system’s loyalty to its top stars. 

Ireland’s player management model, matched only by that of New Zealand’s, has preserved careers but sometimes slowed the rise of fresh talent.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the case of Sam Prendergast. 

The former U20 phenom has leapfrogged Jack Crowley and Ciaran Frawley to become Ireland and Leinster’s first-choice No. 10, sparking debate and division across the rugby landscape.

Prendergast’s ceiling is massive, but gaps in his game, especially on defense, have been exposed. Still, Ireland seems all-in on his development, leaving Crowley and Frawley on the outside looking in.

Crowley had seamlessly stepped into Johnny Sexton’s shoes, steering Ireland to a Six Nations title and drawing a series in South Africa. He added clutch drop goals in both Munster’s URC semifinal win over Leinster and a European triumph against La Rochelle. After a dip in the Six Nations and rumors of a move abroad, he’s bounced back strong.

Frawley, meanwhile, was derailed by a rough cameo against the All Blacks and has since played a utility role—solid, but not central.

This summer’s tour is a key battleground for all three. 

On form, Crowley is the clear No. 1, but with Farrell’s selections raising eyebrows, it’s unclear if he’ll get the nod. Could this be a long game—stress-testing Crowley and Frawley while fast-tracking Prendergast?

Beyond the fly-half drama, the tour is a prime window for fringe players to challenge for starting roles in the post-Lions landscape. Leading the charge: Jamie Osborne, Calvin Nash, Cormac Izuchukwu, Craig Casey, Jacob Stockdale and Ryan Baird.

Each has a clear target: Osborne vs. Henshaw/Aki, Stockdale vs. James Lowe, Nash vs. Mack Hansen, Casey vs. Gibson-Park and Baird/Izuchukwu for the blindside and impact lock roles.

Elsewhere, depth is desperately needed at prop and center. 

Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Michael Milne and Tom O’Toole face a massive test against Georgia’s elite scrum. 

In midfield, Osborne, Hugh Gavin and possibly Frawley, will look to absorb wisdom from veteran Stuart McCloskey.

Predicted Match Day Squads

Speculating on Ireland’s match day 23 has rarely been more fascinating. 

With depth and quality surging through the Irish ranks, even hypothetical lineups provoke serious debate. 

So, with form, cohesion and the opposition firmly in mind, we’ve drawn up not one but two potential squads—starting with a selection designed specifically for a bruising encounter with a Georgia side loaded with Top 14 and Premiership muscle.

Against a Georgian side that lives for the scrum battle, Ireland counters with serious firepower. 

The Leinster trio of Boyle, McCarthy and Clarkson get the nod to start in the front row—technically sound and physically imposing. Off the bench, Stewart, Milne, and O’Toole are primed to finish the job with fresh legs and explosive impact.

Locking down the second row, it’s the rangy, athletic and bruising combo of Ahern and Izuchukwu—two players who not only bring grunt in tight but also add aerial prowess for cross-kick options. Darragh Murray of Connacht provides line-out class and maul mastery as the perfect bench cover.

The back row is all about balance. 

Ryan Baird offers dynamic line-out play and carries with real intent. He’s flanked by Nick Timoney, whose pace and breakdown smarts will be vital against Georgia’s relentless ruck pressure. Gavin Coombes brings raw power and another aerial option at No. 8, while the ever-reliable Cian Prendergast provides versatility to cover all three back row spots off the bench.

At halfback, the form duo of Craig Casey and Jack Crowley bring tempo, aggression and a dual running/kicking threat. Crowley’s defensive steel in the 10 channel and Casey’s smart coverage behind the line will be critical.

In the midfield, it’s all about gainline success and second-phase threat. 

Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne will hammer holes with direct carries and clever offloads, keeping Georgia’s defenders honest.

On the wings, it’s a case of firepower restored. 

Jacob Stockdale, back to the kind of form that made him the 2018 Six Nations’ standout, is set for a mouthwatering battle against Georgia’s exciting wide men. Opposite him, Calvin Nash brings elite speed, aerial dominance, and stout defensive work. At fullback, Jimmy O’Brien offers a high-ball masterclass and doubles as a creative spark and goalkicker—a backfield triple threat.

Ben Murphy steps in as a high-energy, like-for-like replacement for Casey, while Ciaran Frawley provides crucial coverage across fly-half, inside center and fullback. Rounding out the backline bench is Tommy O’Brien, arguably the hottest hand in Irish rugby right now, finally set to make his long-overdue debut on the wing.

Matchday Squad For Georgia

1. Jack Boyle, 2. Gus McCarthy, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Tom Ahern, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Ryan Baird, 7. Nick Timony, 8. Gavin Coombes, 9. Craig Casey, 10. Jack Crowley, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jamie Osborne, 14. Calvin Nash, 15. Jimmy O’Brien

Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Tom O’Toole, 19. Darragh Murray, 20. Cian Prendergast, 21. Ben Murphy, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Tommy O’Brien

On To Portugal

With Georgia in the rearview, Ireland pivots to an entirely different type of challenge—Portugal. 

Known for their freewheeling, high-tempo style, the Iberian outfit will test Ireland’s defensive structure and width. In response, Paul O’Connell’s side could benefit from a strategic reshuffle, leaning into a more expansive game plan without sacrificing control up front.

A shift in style doesn’t mean a drop in physicality. 

The forward pack retains its edge, but with some fresh personnel. 

Tom Stewart earns a start after an impactful cameo last time out, while Darragh Murray gets the nod to bring mobility and set-piece savvy. Cian Prendergast moves into the starting XV, offering line-out versatility and breakdown energy.

Joining him is Alex Kendellen, a livewire backrower whose nuisance factor at the ruck could disrupt Portugal’s quick ball on this faster surface. Off the back, he adds speed and turnover threat. In the engine room and front row, the depth remains intact and uncompromising.

Perhaps the most fascinating shift comes in the midfield, where Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley are paired at 10 and 12 in a dual-playmaker setup. It’s a combination that’s shown flashes of brilliance in limited action—Prendergast looking far more composed with Frawley absorbing some first-receiver duties and offering a left-footed kicking option. 

This alignment supercharges Ireland’s ability to spread the ball wide at pace—music to the ears of the flying men out wide.

Tommy O’Brien earns a starting spot on the left wing, offering line-breaking ability and defensive stability. In a surprise move, Jimmy O’Brien drops out to make room for a potential debut from the electrifying High Gavin, who brings raw pace and an X-factor Ireland fans are desperate to see unleashed.

Covering the backfield is Jack Crowley, whose versatility as a 10, 12 or 15 allows Ireland to adapt mid-game—either slotting in as a secondary playmaker or reshuffling the axis depending on the flow.

If the game calls for a momentum swing, this bench can deliver it in one tidal wave. 

Joe McCarthy, Michael Milne, Tom O’Toole, Ahern and Gavin Coombes offer serious heft and ball-carrying punch. Imagining all five entering the contest together feels like a fever dream but one Irish fans would love to see come to life.

Matchday Squad For Portugal

1. Jack Boyle, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Darragh Murray, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Ryan Baird, 7. Alex Kendellen, 8. Cian Prendergast, 9. Craig Casey, 10. Sam Prendergast, 11. Tommy O’Brien, 12. Ciaran Frawley, 13. Jamie Osborne, 14. Calvin Nash, 15. Jacob Stockdale

Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Tom O’Toole, 19. Tom Ahern, 20. Gavin Coombes, 21. Ben Murphy, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Hugh Gavin

Final Thoughts

Despite this summer’s tour lacking the bite of a series against a traditional power, this series is crucial to Ireland’s hopes come the 2027 World Cup.

Already acknowledging the age profile of some of Ireland’s top performers, now is the time for the next wave of talent to emerge. 

Fresh off dominating at the U20 level in the Six Nations for an extended period with appearances in World U20 semifinals and finals, the next 18 months should see a wave of new players break through.

Behind this squad are a host of talented players who, in 12 months, will be looking to break into the squad, so it is firmly a case of now or never for a handful of players.

For the more established internationals, the opportunity is equally exciting with O’Connell being a trusted confidant of Farrell’s, reports on who stood up and who faded will be reflected in future squads.

Finally, there is absolutely no guarantee that Ireland can simply rock up and win. Downing Tier 1 teams and punching above their weight in recent seasons, both Georgia and Portugal will be itching to prove that they are ready to take the next step.

Openly calling for an opportunity to join the Six Nations, Georgia knows that adding Ireland to its list of defeated big names will send shockwaves around world rugby. Thus, any level of complacency in the Irish camp will be met with a punch in the mouth.

Ireland Summer Tour Fixtures

Saturday, July 5: Georgia vs. Ireland – Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (9 p.m. local/6 p.m. Irish time)

Saturday, July 12: Portugal vs. Ireland – Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (7 p.m. local/Irish time)

Irish Squad As Of June 10, 2025

Forwards (18) *- Denotes Uncapped Player

Tom Ahern (Munster)*, Ryan Baird (Leinster)(27), Jack Aungier  (Connacht)*, Jack Boyle (Leinster)(2), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)(6), Gavin Coombes (Munster)(2), Max Deegan (Leinster)(2), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster)(1), Alex Kendellen (Munster)*, Gus McCarthy (Leinster)(4), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster)*, Michael Milne (Munster)*, Darragh Murray (Connacht)*, Tom O’Toole (Ulster)(16), Cian Prendergast (Connacht)(4), Stephen Smyth (Leinster)*, Tom Stewart (Ulster)(2),Nick Timoney (Ulster)(3)

Backs (14)

Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*, Craig Casey (Munster)(captain)(18), Jack Crowley (Munster)(24), Nathan Doak (Ulster)*, Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)(8), Hugh Gavin (Connacht)*, Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)(19), Ben Murphy (Connacht)*, Calvin Nash (Munster)(10), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster)(8), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster)*, Jamie Osborne (Leinster)(7), Sam Prendergast (Leinster)(8), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)(38)

Training Panellists

James McNabney (Ulster)*, Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster)*, Zac Ward (Ulster)*

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