12 Munster Players On Andy Farrell's Irish Pre Christmas "Stocktake"

Irish head coach Andy Farrell has selected a 45 man squad of players for what the IRFU are calling a pre Christmas “stocktake”.

Munster are well represented with 12 of the group coming from Johann van Graan’s squad, namely backs Keith Earls, Joey Carbery, Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Conor Murray, Mike Haley, Rory Scannell. Forwards Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Dave Kilcoyne, Jean Kleyn and Peter O’Mahony all getting call ups.

Devin Toner has been recalled to the squad while Rob Kearney is the most notable high profile omission.

There are eight uncapped players with scrum-half Caolin Blade (Connacht), Leinster quintet Will Connors, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson Park and Ronan Kelleher and Ulster duo Billy Burns and Tom O’Toole also due to attend.

The squad will assemble for the mini-camp in Abbotstown, which takes place across December 22 and 23 this week.

Speaking on the Irish Rugby website, Andy Farrell said “The national coaches have been around the provinces watching games and having good conversations with players and the provincial coaches.  

We have limited opportunities across the busy provincial season to bring a broad group like this together but this 24hr window will allow us to plant a few seeds.   It will also give the coaches a better insight into a few players who been performing consistently well for their provinces.    

The next six weeks is the window for players to put their hands up for selection for our first squad which will be named in late January ahead of the 6 Nations.”

1 Day Mid-Season Stocktake Attendees

Connacht:

Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Ultan Dillane, Dave Heffernan, Quinn Roux

Leinster:

Ross Byrne, Will Connors, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson Park, Cian Healy, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Ronan Kelleher, Jordan Larmour, Luke McGrath, Andrew Porter, Garry Ringrose, Rhys Ruddock, James Ryan, Jonathan Sexton, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier

Munster:

Joey Carbery, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Mike Haley, Dave Kilcoyne, Jean Kleyn, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, Niall Scannell, Rory Scannell, CJ Stander

Ulster:

Will Addison, Billy Burns, John Cooney, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Stuart McCloskey, Marty Moore, Tom O’Toole, Jacob Stockdale