Joe Schmidt has named the Irish squad for the upcoming November internationals and there are no surprise inclusions. Ulster's Will Addison led the way in new faces, but the 26-year-old has trained with the squad in the past and is in superb form.
The other uncapped inclusions were Munster centre Sam Arnold and Leinster out-half Ross Byrne. However, away from that cohort there are several players with grounds for disappointment. Irish rugby is in rude health at the moment, as this 15 of fit, available and Irish-based players who did not make the squad emphasises.
1- James Cronin
The Munster man was involved in the squad during the Six Nations earlier this year. He recently signed a contract extension and is often picked ahead of Dave Kilcoyne at his club.
2- James Tracy
The 27-year-old also missed out on the summer tour and looks to be fifth choice on current form.
3- Marty Moore
His debut with Ulster was delayed due to injury but Moore was a regular in the squad three years ago. The tighthead role has changed drastically in the interim and Schmidt's demands for a wide skill-set will force players to adapt.
4- Ultan Dillane
Connacht do have a second-row in the squad but it is Quinn Roux, not Dillane. The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order but has sufficient time and ability to force his way back into contention.
5- Kieran Treadwell
Returned to the Ulster pack last week as they were hammered in Paris. He has been capped for Ireland three times.
6- Caelan Doris
Jack O'Donoghue is the stand-out challenger to the back-row selection but the Munster man remains injured. Doris's form with the Ireland U20s ensure he is held in high regard and he has been playing for Leinster A this season. Will need to make an impact with the first team before coming close to challenging the impressive arsenal of options Schmidt already has in the back-row.
7- Sean O'Brien
One of the best individual performances this year came from O'Brien as Connacht beat Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium for the first time in 58 years. The Connacht man has much-needed versatility and is a huge presence at the breakdown.
8- Max Deegan
Over the next twelve months, various players will be invited into the squad for experience purposes. Deegan looks likely to be one of them. Played at six against Edinburgh and Dragons in the Pro14 this year.
9- Caolin Blade
Captained Connacht recently and is close to pipping Marmion for the starting spot.
10- Billy Burns
Transferred from Gloucester to Ulster last summer, the out-half is Irish-qualified and has been a huge positive for Dan McFarland this year. Jack Carty has also been impressive under Andy Friend.
11- Craig Gilroy
The 27-year-old has ten caps for Ireland and 25 points. However, the form of Jacob Stockdale ensures he is battling his own clubmate for a spot.
12-Rory Scannell
Extraordinarily unlucky not to be included. The call-up of his Munster partner Sam Arnold and the more versatile Will Addison means there is no space for Scannell in the squad but his form for Munster has been terrific. Munster have rotated the Dolphin RFC man with Carbery as the first receiver off offensive plays but Ireland look set to play with just one playmaker in Sexton. Chris Farrell misses out on the squad due to injury.
13- Rory O'Loughin
Has failed to add to his sole cap from last year and the recent form of Tom Farrell in Connacht could see him fall further down the pecking order. Nevertheless, a strong and physical defensive unit who can fill in at a number of positions. Fergus McFadden is out due to injury.
14- Michael Lowry
There were murmurings that he may be a bolter for the Ireland squad, but it came too early for the 20-year-old. His ability to play in multiple positions, as well as his ball skills, could see the fleetfooted Ulsterman make a break into the squad soon.
Not a lot of positives for Ulster last night, but this was an outstanding cover tackle from Michael Lowry. Stopped a certain try. Plenty of excitement in Ulster about the 20-year old. pic.twitter.com/bSctyG3q0a
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) September 30, 2018
15- Tiernan O'Halloran
For the second November Internationals squad in a row, there is no spot for the Connacht full-back. A great try against Ulster but was easily swatted away by Chris Ashton earlier this month. Needs to do more if he is to force his way into the squad.
