The Ireland squad for the Six Nations was named on Wednesday afternoon, with few surprises in Andy Farrell's selection.
34-year-old Peter O'Mahony was named as captain, as Ireland seek to transition from the last World Cup cycle into a new era without many of the most experienced heads of Farrell's first team.
Six of O'Mahony's Munster teammates were also named in the 34-man Ireland squad, with Tom Ahern and Oli Jager also both named as "training panellists."
Perhaps the most notable omission from the Munster roster was fellow back row John Hodnett - and Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll feels the Corkman can feel hard done by after being left out of the squad.
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BOD sympathises as John Hodnett misses out on Ireland squad
John Hodnett was man-of-the-match in Munster's epic URC final victory in South Africa last May and has been in impressive form thus far this season as the province stutters through an injury crisis.
After yet another stellar performance in Munster's brilliant win on the road against Toulon on Sunday, Hodnett may have felt he had done enough to earn a spot in the Ireland squad for the Six Nations.
Sadly for the Rosscarbery native, the stacked assortment of back row options at Andy Farrell's disposal meant that he missed out, and Brian O'Drisccol sympathised with Hodnett on social media on Wednesday evening.
One or two surprise omissions. Hodnett must feel hard done by. However we aren’t a country that can indulge in a full clear out of those that won’t be at the next RWC from day one of the 4 year cycle. There will be an integration to come but leadership & stability is important. https://t.co/9kQeP8AHjZ
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) January 17, 2024
BOD took to X (a.k.a. Twitter) to share his thoughts on the Ireland squad announcement, and the one "surprise omission" he took issue with was that of John Hodnett.
Nonetheless, the ex-Ireland captain said that he understood the desire of coach Andy Farrell to ease Ireland into the next World Cup cycle rather than making too many sudden changes:
One or two surprise omissions. Hodnett must feel hard done by.
However we aren't a country that can indulge in a full clear out of those that won't be at the next RWC from day one of the 4 year cycle. There will be an integration to come but leadership & stability is important...particularly the way we have been playing the past couple of years...even in defeat to NZ.
Maintaining momentum is important for this team. We are going to learn a lot in the coming months about the level of importance JS [Johnny Sexton] had and a chance for JC [Jack Crowley] to take this team forward.
Somewhat surprisingly, John Hodnett is yet to earn his first Ireland cap - though it is perhaps less surprising when one considers the wealth of flankers vying for the same spot.
Ireland get their Six Nations campaign underway on Friday February 2nd against France in Marseille.
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