While the Ireland team that was named to take on France in this evening's Six Nations clash did not come as a surprise, one aspect of the matchday squad was certainly eye-catching.
For the first time in recent memory, no player from Ulster was included in an Ireland matchday 23. That is quite the fall for the province and perhaps points towards the direction they have been travelling in in recent times.
Dan McFarland's side have largely struggled this season, producing a number of disappointing performances in both the URC and Champions Cup. As a result, none of their players have managed to play their way into Andy Farrell's thinking for the game against the French.
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Rory Best feels Henderson Ireland exclusion down to Ulster struggles
Rory Best was a mainstay in the Ireland team for over a decade, with the former Ulster hooker also captaining the side for a considerable stretch.
The days of having a player from Kingspan Stadium be of such importance in green seem like a long time ago now, something that is sure to sting in the province.
Iain Henderson is the one who is likely closest to returning to side, although James Ryan was selected ahead of him on the bench on this occasion.
Speaking on ITV, Rory Best said that the contrasting form of Leinster and Ulster was likely the decisive factor in that decision as opposed to any of Henderson's personal failings.
I think it is very reflective of where they are and the performances.
When we look at the bench and they go for James Ryan instead of Iain Henderson, that's probably as much as anything a reflection of how the two clubs are going. Leinster are going particularly well and Ulster are struggling a little bit.
When it comes to a toss of a coin like that, you ultimately go with the player who is playing in the form team.
Ulster have an excellent track record of producing talented young players, although that production line has dried up somewhat in recent times.
For the sake of Irish rugby, it would be brilliant to see them quickly rebound from their current slump.
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