Three uncapped Connacht players—Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen—have been included in Ireland's squad for next month's Nations Championship fixtures, but fly-half Jack Crowley has been ruled out due to injury.
Crowley, who had reclaimed his spot as head coach Andy Farrell's first-choice out-half during the Six Nations, was diagnosed with a blood vessel issue, as revealed by Munster boss Clayton McMillan. The 26-year-old's absence opens the door for Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne, and Ciaran Frawley to compete for the starting fly-half role.
Leinster props Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle, and Paddy McCarthy are also unavailable, and James Lowe was omitted after announcing his departure from Irish rugby last week by rejecting a new contract.
Ireland will face Australia in Sydney on July 4, Japan in Newcastle on July 11, and New Zealand in Auckland on July 18. Caelan Doris will captain the 36-man squad traveling to Sydney on Monday.
With Leinster preparing for Friday's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls, Ireland squad members from Ulster, Munster, and Connacht completed a three-day training block in Dublin this week.
Farrell, who signed a contract extension until 2031 earlier this month, expressed his desire to "build on our positive performances" from the Six Nations campaign, which earned a fourth Triple Crown in five years. "We have three tough Tests against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, and it's important that we hit the ground running in this new tournament," Farrell said. "The experience of playing down under will be priceless for us, and even though we'll be playing in front of largely partisan home crowds, we are also excited about playing in front of a huge Irish support."
Farrell had already anticipated a summer without some key names, with Connacht wing Mack Hansen still sidelined by a foot injury sustained in December. Porter's injury woes continue after missing the Six Nations, and Ryan Baird is also out injured. However, Crowley's unavailability is a significant blow following his impressive performances against England, Wales, and Scotland in the Six Nations.
Prendergast, who started the first two Six Nations matches, will face stiff competition from Leinster teammate Byrne, who was Leinster's first-choice fly-half during their run to the Investec Champions Cup final. However, Prendergast has been preferred in the URC play-offs and will start Friday's final against the Bulls at Croke Park. Frawley, who impressed on Ireland's summer tour to South Africa in 2024, will also be eager for an opportunity at fly-half.
Given the shortage of loose-head prop options, Farrell has opted for another look at Bohan, who was an unused member of this year's Six Nations squad. The 20-year-old has become a regular starter for Connacht under Stuart Lancaster since making his debut in December, but Farrell also has Jeremy Loughman and Tom O'Toole as more experienced options.
With Illo adding to the tight-head ranks, Farrell will get a closer look at two fresh front-row options just over a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Jansen is also rewarded for his impressive performances for an improving Connacht side that secured Champions Cup qualification. Scoring 10 URC tries this season, the New Zealand-born number eight has the tools to stand out in a crowded back-row field that includes captain Doris and six-Test British and Irish Lion Jack Conan.
Forwards (20): Tadhg Beirne, Billy Bohan, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Sam Illo, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Jansen, Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Darragh Murray, Tom O'Toole, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier
Backs (16): Bundee Aki, Rob Baloucoune, Harry Byrne, Craig Casey, Nathan Doak, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Stuart McCloskey, Jimmy O'Brien, Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale