The game takes place at Stade Aime Giral, with kick-off at 8pm Irish time, and will be shown live on the RTÉ News Channel (Sky 517) as well as streamed on RTÉ Player, ensuring easy access for supporters across Ireland.

Byrne handed starting role in back three

Head coach Andrew Browne has named a youthful but well-balanced matchday squad, captained by tighthead prop Sami Bishti, with one of the standout selections being Noah Byrne at full-back.

Byrne, a former Dublin minor footballer, continues his impressive sporting journey by starting in the Ireland back three alongside Derry Moloney and Daniel Ryan. Comfortable under the high ball and composed in broken play, Byrne’s transition from Gaelic football to elite rugby has marked him out as one of the more intriguing prospects in the squad. His ability to read space and counter-attack could be key against a typically athletic French backline.

In midfield, Johnny O’Sullivan partners James O’Leary, while Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood link up at half-back, tasked with steering Ireland around the pitch in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.

Strong UCD influence in the pack

Ireland’s pack features a strong Leinster core, with UCD well represented. Bishti captains the side from tighthead prop, packing down alongside Max Doyle and Rian Handley in the front row. Dylan McNeice and Donnacha McGuire form the second row partnership, while the back row of Josh Neill, Billy Hayes and Diarmaid O’Connell offers a blend of physicality and mobility.

Browne has also named a well-rounded bench, with impact options available across both forwards and backs should the game open up in the final quarter.

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Farrell Names Ireland Squad for Gallagher Cup and Quilter Nations Series

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Men’s Squad, sponsored by Vodafone, for the Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand in Chicago and the upcoming Quilter Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Ireland open their packed Autumn window with a Soldier Field rematch against New Zealand on Saturday, 1 November, before returning home to face Japan, Australia, and South Africa across three consecutive weekends in Dublin.

Doris to Captain Ireland

Caelan Doris will captain the side, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy earns his first call-up and could make his Test debut.

Connacht winger Shayne Bolton, who won his first cap against Portugal during the summer, joins uncapped Munster forwards Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson as travelling cover for the Chicago fixture.

Notable absentees include Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy, Calvin Nash, and Cormac Izuchukwu, who were unavailable for selection through injury.

The squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, 20 October, before flying to Chicago on Tuesday, 21 October.

Gallagher Cup and Quilter Nations Series Fixtures

The Gallagher Cup:
• Saturday, 1 November: Ireland v New Zealand – Soldier Field, Chicago (3.10pm local / 8.10pm Irish)

The Quilter Nations Series:
• Saturday, 8 November: Ireland v Japan – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (12.40pm)
• Saturday, 15 November: Ireland v Australia – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm)
• Saturday, 22 November: Ireland v South Africa – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (5.40pm)

Tickets for the Australia and South Africa matches are now sold out, with limited availability for the opener against Japan.

Farrell Excited by the Challenge Ahead

“There’s an exciting look to the panel and a great blend of experience and youth,” said Andy Farrell.
“We’ve got players returning from injury, others pushing through after strong summers, and now an opportunity for everyone to stake their claim heading into a massive year for Irish rugby.”

Farrell acknowledged the demanding nature of the November schedule, with four southern hemisphere opponents in succession, adding:

“New Zealand in Chicago will be special. It’s a city where we’ve had great memories before, and I’m sure the Irish fans in the US will turn out in force. Then it’s back to the Aviva for three world-class Tests in front of an incredible home crowd.”

Age Profile: Experience and Balance – but an Eye on 2027

The overall average age of Ireland’s 34-man squad is 27.1 years, with the forwards averaging 26.5 and the backs 27.6.

That blend gives Farrell’s team a balance of experience and physical peak heading into this Test window. However, looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Ireland’s backline will be older than ideal. By then, stars like Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, and Jamison Gibson-Park will all be in their early to mid-30s, placing greater importance on the emergence of younger talents such as Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast.

Farrell and his coaching staff will be keen to see how those younger options handle top-tier opposition this autumn, as Ireland’s evolution towards the next World Cup cycle continues.

Broadcast Details

Gallagher Cup (v New Zealand): Virgin Media One (ROI) / TNT Sports (UK)
Quilter Nations Series: RTÉ (ROI) / TNT Sports (UK)

Ireland Squad – November 2025

Forwards (19):
Thomas Ahern, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (captain), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy*, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.

Backs (15):
Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale.

*Denotes uncapped player

Average squad age: 27.1 years
Average forwards age: 26.5 years
Average backs age: 27.6 years

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Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Allan Temple Jones as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance.

Temple Jones brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of rugby codes, with an impressive CV built on elite-level roles in Ireland, South Africa, and the international Sevens scene. He joins a new-look backroom team at Connacht this season, led by Stuart Lancaster and supported by Rob Seib.

Proven Success on the Global Stage

Temple Jones most recently served as head coach of the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, a role in which he guided the side to their first-ever title on the SVNS Series, with a standout victory in Perth in 2024. His leadership also saw the team qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

His latest stint with the Irish Sevens ran for two years, but it was actually his second spell with the programme, having worked as Head of Athletic Performance for the men’s and women’s Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021.

South African Roots, World-Class Pedigree

Between 2021 and 2023, Temple Jones worked with The Sharks in his native South Africa, where he held the position of Athletic Performance Manager. A Durban native, he spent a decade as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Springbok Sevens, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business during South Africa’s most successful period at Sevens level.

His achievements include:
– Olympic Bronze Medal
– Commonwealth Gold
– Two World Series Titles

Taking Over from Michael Kiely

Temple Jones replaces Michael Kiely, who departs after three years in the role. Connacht Rugby and the IRFU thanked Kiely for his commitment and contributions, wishing him every success in his next chapter.

A Forward-Focused Appointment

This high-profile appointment signals a serious intent from Connacht and the IRFU to drive elite performance standards heading into the next cycle of domestic and international rugby. With Stuart Lancaster at the helm and Rob Seib also part of the coaching ticket, Temple Jones joins a team determined to bring silverware west of the Shannon.

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Author: Joe Naughton
Published: May 2025

Introduction: Changing of the Guard in Irish Rugby

The 2025/26 season is ushering in a major transitional period for Irish provincial rugby. Between high-profile retirements, international signings, and academy reshuffles, the four provinces — Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht — have collectively experienced 43 player departures and welcomed just 10 new arrivals.

This shift highlights a focus on leaner squads, internal player development, and the end of an era for several Irish legends. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, followed by the full list of confirmed transfers.

Transfer Stats at a Glance:

• Total players in: 10
• Total players out: 43
• Mid-season exits: 10
• Retirements: 7
• International signings: 4
• Fly-halves lost: 4 (Byrne, Burns, Hanrahan, Morgan)
• Most departures: Ulster (17)
• Fewest departures: Connacht (7)

Notable New Signings:

• Rieko Ioane – Leinster
• Angus Bell – Ulster
• Juarno Augustus – Ulster
• Sam Gilbert – Connacht

Notable Retirements:

• Cian Healy – Leinster
• Peter O’Mahony – Munster
• Dave Kilcoyne – Munster
• Stephen Archer – Munster
• Andy Warwick – Ulster
• Marty Moore – Ulster
• Reuben Crothers – Ulster

Munster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (from Connacht)
• Dan Kelly – Centre, 24 (from Leicester, ENG)
• Conor Ryan – Lock, 21 (from UCC)
• Andrew Smith – Winger 24 (from Connacht)

Players Out:

• Stephen Archer – Prop, 37 – Retired
• Dave Kilcoyne – Prop, 36 – Retired
• Peter O’Mahony – Back row, 35 – Retired
• Jack Daly – Back row, 26
• Cian Hurley – Back row, 25
• Conor Murray – Scrum-half, 36
• Billy Burns – Fly-half, 31
• Liam Coombes – Winger, 28
• Patrick Campbell – Fullback, 22
• Dian Bleuler – Prop, 25 (returned to Sharks, RSA)
• Eoghan Clarke – Hooker, 27 (to Saracens)
• Scott Buckley – Hooker, 25 (loan to Ealing Trailfinders)
• Bryan Fitzgerald – Centre, 26

Leinster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Rieko Ioane – Centre, 28 (from Blues, NZL)

Players Out:

• Cian Healy – Prop, 37 – Retired
• Ross Byrne – Fly-half, 30 (to Gloucester)
• Jordie Barrett – Centre, 28 (returned to Hurricanes)
• Rob Russell – Winger, 26
• Liam Turner – Winger, 25
• Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (to Ulster)
• Ben Brownlee – Centre, 22
• Aitzol King – Winger, 23
• Michael Milne – Prop, 25 (loan to Munster)
• Lee Barron – Hooker, 24 (to Munster)

Ulster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Sam Crean – Prop, 25 (from Saracens)
• Angus Bell – Prop, 24 (from Waratahs)
• Juarno Augustus – Back row, 27 (from Northampton)
• Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (from Leinster)

Players Out:

• Andy Warwick – Prop, 34
• Corrie Barrett – Prop, 27
• Alan O’Connor – Lock, 32
• Kieran Treadwell – Lock, 29 (to Harlequins)
• Matty Rea – Back row, 31
• Reuben Crothers – Back row, 23 – Retired
• John Cooney – Scrum-half, 35 (to Brive)
• Michael McDonald – Scrum-half, 26
• Aidan Morgan – Fly-half, 24
• Jack Boal – Prop, 22
• Cameron Doak – Prop, 18
• Zac Solomon – Hooker, 21
• Ben McFarlane – Winger, 20
• Rory Telfer – Fullback, 21
• Marty Moore – Prop, 34 – Retired
• Tadgh McElroy – Hooker, 28 (to Sale)
• Aaron Sexton – Winger, 24

Connacht Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

• Sam Gilbert – Winger, 26 (from Highlanders)

Players Out:

• Conor Oliver – Back row, 29
• JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (to Munster)
• Piers O’Conor – Centre, 29 (to Edinburgh)
• Santiago Cordero – Winger, 31
• Adam McBurney – Hooker, 28 (to Dinamo Bucharest)
• John Porch – Winger, 31 (to Vannes)
• Andrew Smith – Winger, 24 (loan to Munster)

Conclusion

With some of Ireland’s most iconic players hanging up their boots, and key internationals either joining or leaving, the 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Ulster lead the clearout, while Munster and Leinster lose long-time leaders. Will academy graduates step up, or will recruitment spike again in 2026?

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIreland.com for further updates, pre-season previews, and exclusive player interviews.

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Munster Money Talks Ahead of High-Stakes Clash in Castlebar

A significant swing in the betting markets has raised eyebrows ahead of Connacht’s clash with Munster in Castlebar, with punters piling in on the visitors. What began as Connacht -1 on the handicap has flipped dramatically — now the westerners find themselves 5-point underdogs on home soil.

The movement is a clear signal of confidence in Munster, who look set to field arguably their strongest lineup since their United Rugby Championship triumph in 2023. The likes of Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Craig Casey, and Calvin Nash are all tipped to be involved, while Jean Kleyn, Jack O’Donoghue, and electric winger Thaakir Abrahams could also feature.

Despite this, there’s a sense of uncertainty surrounding Connacht. On paper, they should be strengthened by the return of six players from Ireland camp:

• Bundee Aki
• Mack Hansen
• Finlay Bealham
• Cian Prendergast
• Caolin Blade
• Darragh Murray

That injection of Test-level talent should be a major boost, but Connacht’s form has been inconsistent all season.

It’s hard to know exactly where the Connacht camp is at mentally. Their campaign has lacked momentum, and a win last week would have completely changed the complexion of this fixture. Instead, the pressure is now squarely on the visitors, who have more at stake in terms of league standings and playoff positioning.

Yes, the game is in front of a big crowd in Castlebar, with plenty of excitement and new fans in attendance. But rugby is rarely sentimental — it often comes down to who needs it more. And right now, that’s Munster.

From a Connacht perspective, the hope is that emotion, home support, and a renewed sense of pride can trump that urgency. But make no mistake: they’re going to need a big performance to halt the Munster momentum.

All eyes will be on Castlebar this weekend, and with both squads close to full strength, it promises to be one of the most compelling interprovincial clashes of the season — even if the bookies think the result is already leaning red.

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Jack Crowley is standing at one of the most critical junctures of his rugby career. At 25, the Munster outhalf is being heavily courted by Leicester Tigers, with reports suggesting a €600,000 annual offer is on the table — significantly more than what Munster and the IRFU are currently offering. It’s a moment that echoes past decisions made by Irish legends Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton — two men who defined Irish rugby’s No.10 jersey over two decades.

But only one of them took the leap.

O’Gara Stayed. Sexton Walked — and Kept the Shirt.

In 2004, Ronan O’Gara entertained interest from Stade Français but ultimately stayed put. He was the established Ireland outhalf, central to Munster’s European ambitions, and had little desire to abandon his quest for Heineken Cup glory. The IRFU knew he was indispensable and didn’t take risks with his value.

Johnny Sexton’s story, however, is more relevant to Crowley’s current dilemma. In 2013, Sexton turned down an underwhelming central contract from the IRFU and accepted a lucrative offer from Racing 92 worth over €700,000 per year. The IRFU gambled — assuming Sexton wouldn’t really leave. But he did. And crucially, he kept the Ireland jersey throughout his stint in Paris. His quality was so far ahead of the competition that he remained the undisputed No.10 for Ireland, even while playing abroad.

Crowley is not in that position. Not yet.

Crowley’s Contract Standoff: A New Problem for the IRFU

Unlike O’Gara and Sexton, Crowley is not on a central contract — and that’s a glaring issue. Right now, there is no Irish outhalf on a central deal. That’s unprecedented in the modern era and has created a strange void in the IRFU’s wage structure.

If the IRFU now offer Crowley a lucrative central contract to fend off Leicester’s interest, they set a new benchmark. What happens when 23-year-old Sam Prendergast — seen by many as Ireland’s long-term playmaker — enters negotiations in 18 months for central contract. If Crowley earns €500k+ as a second-choice outhalf, Prendergast will command even more. The precedent could force the union to break their wage model wide open for a player who may not even be first choice long-term.

It’s a dangerous game of poker — and Crowley’s hand is stronger than it looks.

The Forgotten Man: Harry Byrne Roars Back into Contention

Amid the noise around Crowley and Prendergast, one name quietly gaining ground is Harry Byrne. At 25, Byrne is enjoying a stellar loan spell with high-flying Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He’s looked sharp, composed, and injury-free — all the things that once made him Ireland’s most exciting No.10 prospect.

If Byrne returns to Leinster this summer in top form, he will re-enter the Ireland selection frame with force. Suddenly, Farrell could have a three-way race for the No.10 shirt — and the IRFU could face three separate high-stakes contract battles.

Where Can Crowley Develop Best?

There’s no doubt Crowley needs to keep improving. He has all the tools — athleticism, vision, and confidence — but hasn’t yet shown the control or consistency expected at Test level. So where is he more likely to sharpen those tools?

• At Munster, he remains the first-choice outhalf but is playing in a system that lacks cohesion and consistent forward dominance. The attacking game plan is still developing, and he’s under pressure to lead without the experienced support that Sexton or O’Gara once had.

• At Leicester, he would earn nearly double, play in a competitive league, and work under top-tier coaches in a structured environment — but risk losing his Ireland spot if the IRFU take a hard line on foreign-based players.

The question is: will Crowley be treated like Sexton, who left and still led Ireland, or will the IRFU close the door behind him?

What’s the IRFU’s Next Move?

The union has a decision to make. If they let Crowley walk and Prendergast doesn’t kick on, they’re exposed. If they overpay to keep him, they open the floodgates for Prendergast — and potentially Byrne — to demand equal or greater deals.

In short, the IRFU may have created a problem they’ve never faced before: an outhalf vacuum with no clear hierarchy and no central contract in place. They must now choose between protecting their budget or protecting their depth chart.

For Crowley, the choice is simple on paper: stay and back himself to reclaim the Test jersey, or go and double his earnings — but gamble on international exile.

This isn’t just a career decision. It could be the moment that redefines the entire future of Ireland’s No.10 jersey.

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