Irish RWC Squad Depth Chart- Hookers

With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching and Joe Schmidt’s squad announcement imminent, each day we will look at a different part of the squad to try and decipher who will make the final 31-man squad for the tournament in Japan.

Schmidt is likely to opt for a split in favour of forwards with 17/14 a possible outcome.

As such he may choose, 5 props, 3 hookers, 4 locks and 5 back rows

Yesterday we looked at Props.

Today we will look at Hookers.

On the Plane

Schmidt will select three hookers with two clear-cut choices.

Rory Best has been Ireland’s first choice Hooker for Ireland for many years now and has 116 caps for his country. He has served admirably as captain since Paul O’Connell’s retirement, leading Ireland to a brace of wins over the All Black

Sean Cronin, has proven a quality backup with his explosive speed a real weapon off the bench for Ireland. An able starter when needed as shown by his performances at Leinster.

Likely to Travel

Niall Scannell is in pole position to take his place on the plane to Japan. Cemeented his place as Munster’s first choice after competition with Rhys Marshall. Has started a Six Nations game and two tests against Australia under Schmidt.

Missing Out

Ulster’s Rob Herring has seven caps for Ireland but has a lot of work to do to make the final squad with Schmidt’s choices at Hooker arguably the most nailed on.

Potential 2019 Irish RWC Hookers

Rory Best (117 Caps)

Sean Cronin (68)

Niall Scannell (14)