11 Munster Players make Joe Schmidt’s Six Nations Squad

Irish head coach Joe Schmidt today named a 38-man panel as Ireland look to defend their Grand Slam and Six Nations crown. There are 11 Munster players in the squad while Connacht have three uncapped players earning their first inclusion in an Irish squad, Tom Farrell, Jack Carty and Caolin Blade.

The squad will head to Portugal on a warm weather training camp after the final round of European games as preparations ramp up to England’s visit to the Aviva Stadium on February 2nd.

Munster’s Joey Carbery, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell and Conor Murray are all included in the backs while Tadhg Beirne, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, John Ryan, Niall Scannell and CJ Stander are all included in the forwards.

With injuries to several of Conor Murray’s back up options, Blade got the call while Tom Farrell and Carty have also been in good form of late for Andy Friend’s side.

Speaking at the team announcement, Schmidt said:

“There have been tight calls across almost every position. Those selected in the back row could well be joined by Dan Leavy once he’s fully fit. With a cohort of young players emerging, it will keep plenty of pressure on the performances of the experienced guys”