Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 6
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 – Kick-off 7.45pm
TV: Live on TG4 & Premier Sports 2

Connacht Team News

Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has named a powerful Connacht lineup featuring the return of Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, and Mack Hansen, with all three British & Irish Lions starting as the province looks to make Dexcom Stadium a fortress once more.

Captain Cian Prendergast moves to openside flanker, joined by Josh Murphy and Sean Jansen in a dynamic back row. Darragh Murray and David O’Connor form the second-row partnership, while Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, and Finlay Bealham complete the front row.

Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane renew their half-back pairing, with Bundee Aki and Byron Ralston combining in midfield. Hansen lines out at full-back behind wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins.

The replacements include a 5:3 split, with academy graduates Matthew Devine, Cathal Forde, and Sean Naughton covering the backline — Naughton hailing from Kilkenny, while Devine and Forde are Galway natives.

Unavailable: Denis Buckley (hamstring), Paul Boyle (shoulder), Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder), Temi Lasisi (knee), Oisín Dowling (knee), Niall Murray (ankle).

“The Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field. They were URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster. With the fans behind us, three returning Lions and a much-improved performance, it should make for a great game.”
— Stuart Lancaster

Vodacom Bulls Overview

The Bulls arrive in Galway after a bruising 28–7 defeat to Ulster in Belfast. That result ended their perfect start to the URC campaign, and they’ve now lost two consecutive away matches — something they haven’t done three times in succession since 2023.

Head coach Jake White has opted for rotation, resting several senior Springboks and naming a youthful, developmental squad for the trip to the West of Ireland.

Strength Comparison: Bulls vs Ulster (Away) vs Connacht (Away)

Team that played Ulster (lost)

• Handré Pollard at 10
• Marco van Staden, Nizaam Carr & Jannes Kirsten in the pack
• Zak Burger at 9
• Backline of Pollard, Vorster, Moodie, Le Roux & Jacobs
• First-choice front row: Steenekamp, Grobbelaar, Louw

Verdict: A frontline Bulls team – arguably their strongest available XV apart from a few resting Springboks like Nortje and Coetzee. It was picked to win and had vastly more Test experience.

Team to play Connacht (this week at Dexcom Stadium)

• Missing Pollard, Burger, van Staden, Carr, Kirsten & Steenekamp
• Keagan Johannes (10) and Paul de Wet (9) start — both inexperienced
• Captain Reinhardt Ludwig leads, with fringe or academy forwards (Xaba, Theron, Rudolph)
• Bench includes Vorster, Papier, Jacobs & Grobbelaar for impact

Verdict: This is a second-string Bulls team designed to give young players exposure and rest key stars after a bruising Ulster trip. It’s lighter up front and inexperienced at half-back.

Final Verdict:
Stronger Team: vs Ulster
Weaker Team: vs Connacht (development side)

Betting Market Movement

Connacht opened +6 at home to the Bulls on Monday but have since been smashed into -1 favourites by Thursday evening — one of the biggest URC line moves of the week.

Punters have piled into the home side after sharks selection announcement, viewing this as a golden opportunity for Connacht to record a morale-boosting win.

Handicap Shift (Mon ➜ Thurs):
Connacht +6 ➜ -1 7-point swing – strongest market move of the week

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

• Connacht have won only two of their last eight URC games — both against Italian sides.
• Their only home defeat in the last four was 21–31 to Edinburgh.
• Bulls have lost their last two away matches and both most recent trips to Irish provinces.
• Connacht’s only previous win vs Bulls came in Galway (34–7, 2021).

Stat Leaders 2025/26

Connacht:
Top Try Scorers – D. O’Connor, D. Tierney-Martin, J. Ioane, S. Jansen, S. Naughton (1 each)
Top Points – Cathal Forde (9)

Bulls:
Top Try Scorer – Johan Grobbelaar (3)
Top Points – Keagan Johannes (15)

Head-to-Head:
Top Try Scorers – David Hawkshaw
Top Points – David Kriel (17)

Betting Tips & Prediction

It’s very hard back Connacht at 8/11 when they were 5/2 on Monday, but punters can’t see them losing against a 3rd string Bulls team.

Market	Odds	Pick
Connacht to Win	8/11
Connacht -1 Handicap	10/11
Total Points over 49.5	Evens	Weather dependent
Anytime Try Scorer – Mack Hansen	5/2	Returning Lion magic
Connacht 1-7 Winning Margin	4/1	Tight home win

Prediction: Connacht 27 – 20 Vodacom Bulls

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Cardiff Rugby v Connacht Rugby: URC Round 3 Preview

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 19:45 (IRE/UK) | 20:45 (ITA/SA)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 43rd league game)
Assistants: Ben Breakspear (WRU), Lucas Yendle (WRU)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
Live on: S4C, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Enter New Era After Coaching Change

Cardiff’s narrow 23–20 defeat to Munster at Thomond Park last weekend showed plenty of fight, but it also came during a week of major transition. Head coach Matt Sherratt has departed to join Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching ticket as full-time attack coach after serving as caretaker boss during the Six Nations and summer tour of Japan.

Cardiff are now led on an interim basis by assistants Richie Rees and Richard Hodges, who have been part of the club’s structure for several years. Sherratt’s influence, though brief, gave Cardiff a clearer attacking identity and renewed discipline across the squad.

The Arms Park remains one of the most challenging venues in the URC. Cardiff’s only home defeat in their last four league games came against the Sharks (22–42, January 2025), and they have since won three straight at home — their best sequence since 2022.

However, the Welsh side’s record against Irish opposition remains poor: just two wins in their last 12 meetings, both at home — versus Ulster (October 2024) and Munster (April 2025). They’ll also remember that Connacht beat them three times last season, including twice in the URC and once in the Challenge Cup last 16.

Connacht Eager to Regain Rhythm After Postponement

Connacht’s Round 2 clash with Scarlets was postponed due to Storm Amy, after the visitors’ flight was diverted to Manchester. The cancellation was confirmed late on Friday night, meaning players only found out on Saturday morning.

“A lot of players only found out when they woke up. They were mentally and physically ready. It’s frustrating — especially after such a strong start against Benetton.”
— Stuart Lancaster, Connacht Head Coach

That opening-round victory over Benetton showcased the new structure Lancaster has brought — tighter defence, sharper decision-making, and renewed confidence. Connacht have won their last two URC matches but have not managed three consecutive victories since March 2024, nor back-to-back away wins since 2023.

Their only defeat to a Welsh team since 2021 came in a 40–43 shootout against Ospreys last March. Against Cardiff, Connacht are unbeaten since September 2021 and have wins in their last two visits to the Arms Park.

Team & Injury News

Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, and Finlay Bealham are all back training but unlikely to feature this week. Josh Ioane and Byron Ralston have returned to full fitness and could be included.

• Niall Murray (ankle) – out several weeks after surgery.
• Oisín Dowling (knee) – sidelined until December.
• Temi Lasisi (knee) – continues rehabilitation.

Cian Prendergast is expected to captain again, with Jack Carty at fly-half and Cathal Forde in midfield.

Handicap (as of Wednesday)

Cardiff –4 v Connacht +4

Cardiff start as narrow favourites at home, but Connacht’s strong record against Welsh opposition could see late support for the visitors as team news emerges on Friday.

Key Stats & Trends

• Cardiff’s only win in their last four URC games came against the Lions (33–20).
• Cardiff have won their last three home matches, their best run since 2022.
• Cardiff’s only home defeat in their last four came to the Sharks (22–42).
• Cardiff have won just two of their last 12 games against Irish provinces.
• Connacht are unbeaten against Cardiff since 2021, with two wins in Cardiff.
• Connacht have won their last two URC games but not three in a row since March 2024.

Prediction

Cardiff’s recent form at the Arms Park makes them a serious proposition, but Connacht’s organisation and defensive edge under Lancaster may once again give them the upper hand. Expect another tight contest decided in the final ten minutes.

Verdict: Connacht by 2 — Jack Carty’s control could be the difference.

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Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

If Connacht supporters are searching for reasons to believe after last season’s annus horribilis – six wins, 13th place, and a Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at home to 14-man Racing 92 – they don’t have to look far.

Lancaster Takes Charge

Stuart Lancaster’s arrival offers a fresh start. The former England boss rebuilt a broken culture before the 2015 World Cup debacle and then spent six hugely influential years at Leinster, transforming them into a URC powerhouse. His Racing 92 stint was brief and forgettable, but Connacht fans will hope that, with a stronger support network in Galway, Lancaster can finally deliver as a head coach.

Squad Changes & New Blood

The squad has seen modest change. Sam Gilbert is the sole professional signing and likely won’t feature until December. Academy promotions for Sean Naughton, Harry West and last year’s standout Finn Tracey freshen up the ranks. The departures of Conor Oliver (Ealing Trailfinders), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Piers O’Conor (Edinburgh) and Santiago Cordero leave gaps, but Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen remain the key men if fit.

Coaching Ticket & Facilities

Lancaster will work alongside Rob Seib, who will look to sharpen Connacht’s attack this season, as well as province stalwarts John Muldoon and Cully Tucker. This mix of international experience and local knowledge could be vital in making Lancaster’s system stick.

The €40 million redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium has transformed Connacht’s environment. Lancaster has called the new indoor centre “as good as I’ve ever seen,” while the final piece – the North Stand – is due to open in January for the URC clash with Leinster.

Turning the Sportsground into a Fortress

Connacht’s last home URC win came back on March 1st against a depleted Benetton. To reach the URC top eight this season, they’ll need at least ten victories and a strong home record. Lancaster has promised a visible increase in intensity and accuracy in the first five rounds.

Predicted Starting XV vs Benetton

• 1. Peter Dooley
• 2. Dylan Tierney-Martin or Dave Heffernan
• 3. Jack Aungier
• 4. Darragh Murray
• 5. Joe Joyce
• 6. Cian Prendergast (C)
• 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
• 8. Sean Jansen
• 9. Ben Murphy
• 10. Josh Ioane
• 11. Shayne Bolton
• 12. Hugh Gavin
• 13. Cathal Forde
• 14. Finn Tracey
• 15. Seán Naughton or Shane Jennings

This youthful selection pairs Gavin and Forde in midfield and gives Tracey an early shot on the wing. Ioane’s control at 10 and Jansen’s ball-carrying will be crucial to Connacht’s fortunes.

Targets for 2025/26

A top-eight finish and a home Challenge Cup semi-final would represent a strong first year for Lancaster. Anything less would feel like underachievement given the investment in facilities and the talent at his disposal.

With a balanced coaching ticket, new energy from academy graduates, and a statement stadium redevelopment, Connacht have the tools to make 2025/26 a turning point – if they can marry training intensity with matchday consistency.

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Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

• 15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) Debut
• 14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
• 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
• 12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
• 11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) Debut
• 10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
• 9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
• 1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
• 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
• 3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
• 4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
• 5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
• 6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
• 7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
• 8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

• 16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
• 17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
• 18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
• 19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
• 20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
• 21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
• 22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
• 23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

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The 2025 British & Irish Lions squad has been officially announced — and it’s already sparking major talking points across the rugby world. Ireland lead the way with 15 players selected, followed by 13 from England, 8 from Scotland, and just 2 from Wales in a striking shift that underlines changing fortunes among the Home Nations.

Connacht stars Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen headline the Irish contingent, with their inclusions marking a major achievement for the western province — equalling Wales in representation. Many fans will feel for Finlay Bealham, who narrowly missed out despite consistent international form.

In a surprise twist, none of Ireland’s out-halves made the cut, meaning there’s no room for the likes of Jack Crowley or Ross Byrne. With the next Lions tour not until 2029, their chance will have to wait.

Irish Dominance in the Forwards

The Lions forwards feature a dominant Irish presence with Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, and Joe McCarthy all making the cut. Josh van der Flier also earns his place after another standout season.

Firepower in the Backs

The backs offer a blend of experience and flair. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose provide midfield solidity, with Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and Mack Hansen adding firepower out wide.

Nation Breakdown:

• Ireland: 15 players
• England: 13 players
• Scotland: 8 players
• Wales: 2 players

Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan are the only Welshmen included, capping a difficult cycle for Welsh rugby.

Notable Debutants

There are 19 Lions debutants overall, signalling a bold new direction under the tour’s leadership. Maro Itoje will captain the side, bringing authority and experience to a squad brimming with potential.

As anticipation builds for the summer tour, this selection highlights Ireland’s continued rise on the international stage and offers a glimpse into the next generation of Lions stars.

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The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to confirm Mack Hansen has signed a two-year contract extension ⁰ #OneConnacht pic.twitter.com/LvmQ6aYgUI

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 3, 2025

Since making his Test debut against Wales in February 2022, Hansen has been a standout performer in Ireland’s back three. The 25-year-old has earned 27 caps and crossed the whitewash 12 times, cementing his status as one of the most exciting attacking threats in the game.

Hansen’s meteoric rise saw him nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in his first international season. His decision to remain in Ireland is another boost for Andy Farrell’s squad as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.

Having joined Connacht in 2021, Hansen has made 38 appearances for the province, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Galway and beyond.

Speaking about his contract extension, Hansen said:

“Since moving to Ireland, I’ve loved every minute, and I’m delighted to sign this new contract. Playing for Connacht and Ireland means a huge amount to me, and I feel like I’ve developed massively thanks to the coaching and structures here. There’s a lot to play for this season, and my focus is on finishing strongly with both club and country. I’d like to thank the IRFU for their faith in me, and I’m really excited for the future.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also welcomed the news:

“Mack has been a key player for Ireland and Connacht in recent years, and securing his future is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He’s a proven performer who thrives on the big stage and is a firm favourite with fans. We believe there’s still more to come from him, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to progress.”

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In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard.

Centurion Keith Earls was among the try scorers to the delight of the home fans, while England’s Billy Vunipola, who was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle on Andrew Porter, saw a review of the tackle upgrade his card to red.

First Half

Though Ireland had a strong starting team, the usual high level of accuracy was missing in the opening half as the home side conceded 6 penalties.

The visitors opened the scoring through George Ford when he kicked a Tadhg Beirne conceded penalty. Kicking from slightly left of the posts, the Sale Sharks’ man slotted over just before the clock hit 5 minutes.

Try for Bundee

An attacking move from Ireland gave winger James Lowe possession with the New Zealand-born player gaining metres. He was strongly supported by Peter O’Mahony who found a lot of space in the centre of the English defence. The Corkman eventually off-loaded to the onrushing Bundee Aki, with the centre having space to comfortably make the try-scoring line. A Ross Byrne conversion from in front of the posts, put Ireland into a 7-3 lead approaching 10 minutes on the clock.

It’s all too easy as Ireland break through the England line with ease and Bundee Aki has a clear run. pic.twitter.com/YQHOo4fEGa

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Mack Hansen failing to roll away gave England an opportunity to close the gap on the scoreboard on 25 minutes, but George Ford surprisingly struck it to the right and wide of the far post.

In spite of some unforced errors from Andy Farrell’s side during the opening half, Ireland made some good decisions on the ball and ran some clever lines in the dying minutes of that opening period.

Hansen finds Ringrose

With the energetic Mack Hansen, the Player of the Match, in possession of the ball on the far side of the pitch, he saw centre Garry Ringrose on the opposite end. A long, well-directed accurate kick from the Connacht winger found Ringrose who had enough to cross for Ireland’s second try of the half.

Byrne attempted the conversion from 40m out, and though he had the distance, he failed with accuracy and send the ball left of the far post and wide.

Great vision from Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose touches down to give Ireland a 12-3 half-time advantage. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/jmfbMSBJMD

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

With the teams heading to the dressing rooms for the half-time team talk, Ireland lead 12-3.

Second Half

James Lowe scored his 10th international try 15 minutes into the second half. With England down for 14 men following a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a dangerous high tackle on Andrew Porter, England were stretched by the home side, and Lowe found himself in splendid isolation out on the wing. A fast pass to the winger saw him run in for his side’s third try of the game.

Ireland quickly make the most of their numerical advantage as James Lowe is left with an acre of space to walk in and touch down. Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/HkVQUbKPsX

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt came back off the left post, leaving the Irish side with a 17-3 advantage.

It was then announced that the review panel had upgraded Billy Vunipola’s yellow card to red, meaning the Saracens’ man’s day was over.

The positive use of width and space brought more success for Ireland when claiming their fourth try of the evening. The industrious Mack Hansen touched down for his 7th international try, giving the scoreboard a more respectable look, and showing more accurately the difference between the two sides. Ross Byrne’s difficult day at kicking for the posts continued as he missed another attempt, leaving Ireland 22-3 ahead.

100th cap for Keith Earls

The loudest cheer of the day seemed to come on 60 minutes when Limerick’s Keith Earls became the 9th Irish player to win 100 International caps.

Here comes the centurion. Keith Earls receives a thunderous ovation as he replaces James Lowe to make his 100th appearance for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/x0NrFhhJhO

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

The loudness of that roar was bettered in the 73rd minute, however, when Earls dived into the corner to score the 36th international try of his career. His Munster comrade Jack Crowley converted from close to the touchline, giving Ireland a 29-10 victory.

What a moment! What a finish!

Keith Earls’ day just gets better as he goes over in the corner to blow the roof off the Aviva Stadium. pic.twitter.com/owLTS6018i

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) August 19, 2023

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The Irish qualified winger has been a revelation for the Western province since joining the side from the Brumbies in the summer.

The 23-year-old, who previously lined out for the Australian U20 team, has scored four tries in five games at Connacht.

The pacey back has beaten 25 defenders and made 321 metres, both the most in the United Rugby Championship so far this season.

On top of this, his seven clean breaks are the second-most in the league, tied with Glasgow Warriors’ Rufus McLean and one behind Scarlets star Steff Evans.

Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw will continue his rehab programme under the direction of the Ireland medical team.

Thomas Ahern (Munster) and Jamie Osbourne (Leinster) have returned to their respective provinces having trained with the squad last week.

The Ireland v New Zealand fixture on Saturday, 13th November is sold out while tickets remain available for both the Japan and Argentina games.

Ireland Autumn Nations Series 2021 Squad

Backs (19)
Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 31 caps
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 1 cap
Harry Byrne (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 24 caps
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 3 caps
Andrew Conway (Munster/Garryowen) 25 caps
Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 93 caps
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/UCD)*
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 10 caps
Mack Hansen (Connacht)*
James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 13 caps
Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 30 caps
James Lowe (Leinster) 6 caps
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 6 caps
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 89 caps
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 34 caps
Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 99 caps CAPTAIN
Simon Zebo (Munster/Cork Constitution) 35 caps

Forwards (20)
Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 5 caps
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 16 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 22 caps
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 20 caps
Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps
Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 19 caps
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 9 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 49 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 109 caps
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 63 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 22 caps
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 13 caps
Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 45 caps
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 76 caps
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 1 cap
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)*
Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 32 caps

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