With the Six Nations on the horizon, a two-match summer tour of South Africa confirmed, and the usual autumn games lying in wait, there is plenty of scope for Ireland debuts in 2024.
With no World Cup to prep for, Andy Farrell's selection policies for big games may loosen slightly, as the next-gen of players continue to make waves for the provinces, while the old guard grow older.
With this in mind, we have taken a look at three players - plus a few extra - that should make their full Ireland debuts this year.
Three Players We Think Will Make Their Ireland Debut In 2024
Tom Ahern
Ahern made an early impression this season, with a game changing performance off the bench in Munster's snatch-and-grab draw against Benetton.
He took it up a level after his surprise move to blindside flanker against Leinster in November, and has excelled in the role ever since.
With Peter O'Mahony and Ryan Baird also excelling as wide-channel/line out aficionados, Ahern's best shot at making the squad may be as a second row.
Looking at last year's initial Six Nations squad, there were four locks picked - James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, and Iain Henderson - and the same four will be picked again.
However, Farrell may not take the rather excessive number of seven back-three players, which could free up a spot, while as always, players will be called up throughout the tournament.
A bench spot against Italy is certainly not out of the question, and he will almost certainly be capped in the summer or the autumn.
9 October 2022; Ireland rugby ; Thomas Ahern, centre, of Emerging Ireland celebrates with his Man of the Match Award following the Toyota Challenge match between Toyota Cheetahs and Emerging Ireland at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Photo by Johan Pretorius/Sportsfile
Jamie Osborne
The centre-cum-wing/fullback, may not be fit in time for the Six Nations, but should see a first cap this year if his development continues at its current rate.
He showed last year that he is ready for the next step after Champions Cup, and there were calls this season for him to keep his place at centre ahead of Robbie Henshaw.
Ireland remain stacked at 12 and 13, while James Humes and Antoine Frisch may also overtake Osborne in the pecking order, but his versatility makes him an ideal squad member.
4 November 2022; Ireland rugby ; Jamie Osborne of Ireland during the match between Ireland A and All Blacks XV at RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Oli Jager
If, God willing, his injury - which saw him carted off against Connacht - is not too serious, Jager has a real chance at being called up to the Six Nations squad, despite only making his provincial debut last month.
Jager's Super Rugby experience and time with the All Blacks XV squad, along with an impressive recent showing versus Leinster, make him a prized asset.
And unlike at centre, back row, and second row, the depth in not as strong at tight head prop.
Honourable Mentions
Michael Milne, Nathan Doak, Diarmuid Barron, Antoine Frisch, Cathal Forde, John Hodnett, Edwin Edogbo, Scottie Wilson, Tom Clarkson, Jack Boyle.
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