Four big winners and Four big losers - Ireland's squad for South Africa has some shocks

Farrell named a 35-man squad for the upcoming tour.

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17:17, 18 JUN 2024
Updated19:11, 18 JUN 2024

Andy Farrell named a 35-man Ireland squad to take on the Springboks on the summer tour.

But it wasn't as expected - here, we look at those who were the big selection winners and those who will have been disappointed with what has been announced.

BIG WINNERS

Andrew Osborne - Slotted in comfortably at Leinster at first-centre and as a foil for Henhsaw who moved out to second-centre at club level. Was omitted for the URC semi-final at Bulls in favour of back-from-injury Ringrose.

Sam Prendergast - Huge swell of opinion in favour of fast-tracking the young Leinster out-half to the international level as his performances at Ireland U20s level were so impressive. Big lad, big boot, lots of nerve.

Caolin Blade - Ostensibly given his chance as Gibson-Park has had to pull out with an injury but it is a reward for the 30 year-old's leadership, reliability and durability at Connacht this term. Has two caps, making his debut in 2021, coming from the bench in a 71-10 win over USA.

Nick Timoney - Played 17 of his 20 2023/24 starts for Ulster at no8 although regarded as capable of moving across the back-row. 28 years-of-age, he has three caps and last played for Ireland, starting at no7, against Fiji in November 2022.

BIG LOSERS

Ross Byrne - Farrell seemed to have warmed to Byrne as he started one and came in as a sub for four of the 2023 Grand Slam winning games but progress this season was hampered by picking up an arm injury in the run-off to the 2024 Six Nations campaign and, consequently, he didn't play.

On the one hand there are those who say Byrne is the perfect 'facilitator' for Leinster's multi-talented back-line, that the Blues key need is for the no10 to call and set the plays in motion.

The other side of the debate is adamant an international back-line should have an outstanding international out-half and that Leinster have the money, the reputation and the pulling power to attract one while there is also pressure coming from within as Academy graduate Sam Prendergast begins to look for first team games.

Michael Milne - Biding his time behind Healy at Leinster but, as 12 years his junior, it will only be a matter of time before he comes through. Solid bet to be in the Ireland RWC 2027 panel.

John Hodnett - It has been hard to believe the tough-as-nails open-side who turned 25 years-of-age last January hasn't been capped yet, one of the most impressive Munster players this season.

Gavin Coombes - There just doesn't seem to be a slot in an Andy Farrell squad for Munster's hard-working no8 although there was a slight tapering off in form towards the end of the club season, with five of his last seven appearances being off the bench.

IRELAND 2024 SUMMER TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA - 35-strong squad

FULL-BACK/WING - Jimmy O'Brien, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Calvin Nash, Jacob Stockdale

CENTRES - Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne

OUT-HALVES - Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Sam Prendergast

SCRUM-HALVES - Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Conor Murray

HOOKERS - Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, Rob Herring

PROPS - Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Oli Jager, Tom O'Toole, Andrew Porter

SECOND-ROW - Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan

BACK-ROW - Ryan Baird, Caelan Doris, Cormac Izuchukwu, Peter O'Mahony, Cian Prendergast, Nick Timony, Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast

Unavailable: Jamison Gibson-Park (hamstring injury) and Jack Conan (personal reasons).

Four big winners and Four big losers - Ireland's squad for South Africa has some shocks

BIG WINNERS

BIG LOSERS

IRELAND 2024 SUMMER TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA - SCHEDULE