Some future stars in here!
Ireland are at a crossroads in terms of selection for the Six Nations; they need success in the tournament for cash reasons and momentum, but they also must continue to blood the next generation of players with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.
Should head coach Andy Farrell choose to take some risks, he will be looking at a few of the players below in our Ireland U25 XV.
Loosehead prop – Paddy McCarthy (22)
No competition for this spot, seeing as the 22-year-old juggernaut is pushing Andrew Porter for the Leinster and Ireland starting jerseys.
He was one of the few positives to come out of the recent Autumn Nations Series.
Hooker – Tom Stewart (25)
The Ulsterman is at the forefront of their revival, and deserves to be brought back into the international fold.
His manhandling of James Lowe for his solo score in the Leinster derby was outrageous.
Tighthead prop – Tom Clarkson (25)
Ulster’s Scott Wilson was pushing hard for this selection, but his Leinster rival’s international experience edges him in front.
Second row – Edwin Edogbo (23)
All of Ireland is praying for this behemoth of a man to stay fit for Six Nations selection and a potential international debut.
A supreme physical talent who could be a difference-maker at the next World Cup.
Second row – Joe McCarthy (24)
The best player in this side, needing no introduction.
Arguably a top five lock in world rugby at the minute.
Blindside flanker – James McNabney (22)
Cormac Izuchukwu and Tom Ahern are capped internationals, but the form of McNabney prior to his ACL injury was the best of the trio.
Had he continued on his trajectory, he could have been in the running for a Six Nations bench spot.
Openside flanker – Dave McCann (25)
A bit of an unsung hero in Irish rugby outside of his home province of Ulster.
He has developed into a vital senior figure who can play across the backrow.
Number eight – Brian Gleeson (21)
Another straightforward choice, with the best prospect in the country.
He’s back fit and looking ripe for a place in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
Scrum-half – Nathan Doak (24)
The ‘petite général’ is living up to his hype this season, and, on form, has been the second-best scrum-half in the country in recent weeks.
It will be an oversight if he does not make the Six Nations squad.
Out-half – Sam Prendergast (22)
Jack Crowley is also eligible, but with both men hard to separate, we’ve gone for the Leinster star based on his Autumn performances and age.
Left-wing – Shayne Bolton (25)
The Connacht flyer has more tries than caps for Ireland after his brace on debut against Portugal.
He is part of a large group of talented wingers struggling for international game time.
Inside centre – Jamie Osborne (24)
Given Ireland’s ageing options in the centre, it is concerning that Osborne has not started a game for his country in his best position at 12.
It was a strange oversight from Andy Farrell not to pick him there against Japan in November.
Inside centre – Jude Postlethwaite (23)
Given that Osborne is likely to miss the Six Nations, it is imperative that Postlethwaite is included.
The new generation must be given time to come through ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Right wing – Diarmuid Kilgallen (25)
One of the most impactful players Munster have signed in recent years.
His injury record has been a serious Achilles heel, preventing him from securing any continuity.
Fullback – Ben O’Connor (21)
While he has struggled for game time, given Munster’s depth in the backfield, he remains one of the most naturally gifted back prospects in the country and has plenty of time on his side.
Ireland U25 XV:
- Paddy McCarthy
- Tom Stewart
- Tom Clarkson
- Edwin Edogbo
- Joe McCarthy
- James McNabney
- David McCann
- Brian Gleeson
- Nathan Doak
- Sam Prendergast
- Shayne Bolton
- Jamie Osborne
- Jude Postlethwaite
- Diarmuid Kilgallen
- Ben O’Connor
