The further down the rabbit-hole of predicting the Irish squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the more it becomes abundantly clear that, barring injuries, the vast majority of the squad has effectively been decided.
There is very little time, and room, for bolters or other pretenders not involved in the Tour of New Zealand, to make Andy Farrell’s 33-man panel.
But a little time and room is all that is needed for injuries will of course occur between now and September 2023, for at least one of the many young talents in the country to step up next season and leave Farrell a Sophie’s choice, or for someone out of favour to remind us of their qualities.
Irish Rugby Squad For The 2023 World Cup
Below is our attempt at picking a realistic Irish squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, one that provides sufficient depth, flexibility, and security. And one that is capable of bringing home the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Underneath are notes on some of our more eyebrow raising choices, squad distribution, bolters, and honourable mentions to those unlucky to miss out.
Irish Rugby squad for the 2023 World Cup.
Props: Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Jeremy Loughman, Tadhg Furlong, Finlay Bealham, Tom O'Toole.
Hookers: Ronan Kelleher, Dan Sheehan, Rob Herring.
Locks: Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Kieran Treadwell.
Backrow: Peter O'Mahony, Caelan Doris, Josh Van Der Flier, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes.
Scrum-half: Jamison Gibson-Park, Conor Murray, Craig Casey.
Out-halves: Johnny Sexton, Joey Carbery, Ciaran Frawley.
Centres: Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose.
Back three: James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Andrew Conway, Hugo Keenan, Mike Haley.
Squad Distribution
16 Leinster, 10 Munster, 4 Ulster, 3 Connacht.
Next year’s World Cup is allowing countries to take a 33 strong squad, two more than the previous 31 man contingent.
We’ve chosen to put these extra two places at prop and back-row, while also opting for three scum-halves rather than two, which was the case at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Andy Farrell has also given some indication as to where he might look to bulk up his squad, having brought eight backrowers to New Zealand.
This leaves the squad lighter than we would like at centre and back three, but having Ciaran Frawley as a genuine option at both 10 and 12 helps alleviate some concerns. Hugo Keenan and Garry Ringrose would both likely see minutes on the wing as well.
Another important factor is the spread of Ireland's fixtures. After their third pool game against South Africa, they have a crucial two week break before playing Scotland, giving players ample recovery time and easing the strain on any light areas in the squad.
Mike Haley and Alex Kendellen
The two players who were not on the Tour of New Zealand (excluding the injured Ronan Kelleher and Andrew Conway who were nailed on to travel).
Kendellen’s selection is speculative. Josh Van Der Flier needs backup at openside, a role that is currently occupied by a man coming off the back of an excellnt showing against the Maori All Blacks.
However, given Kendellen’s performances for Munster, and in particular an awesome showing against Toulouse in the Champions Cup quarter-final, he has proven that he makes the cut at the highest level of club rugby.
At only 21-years-old, he will progress exponentially as most young players do. The standout, along with Nathan Doak, from the 2021 crop of U20s, he has excelled with each step up and we are backing him to continue this pattern.
Also, as with Timoney, he can play across the backrow.
Mike Haley is included because this writer is a sucker for safety at 15, and both Jimmy O’Brien and Mike Lowry did themselves a disservice in this area against the Maori.
Haley was probably Munster’s second best player last season behind Jack O’Donoghue, and a continuation of this form at the start of next season could see him selected for the November Tests and possibly establish himself as Keenan’s backup.
10 August 2019; Irish Rugby ; Mike Haley of Ireland in action against Renato Giammarioli of Italy during the Guinness Summer Series 2019 match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The Unlucky Ones
The temptation of picking Robert Baloucoune was strong. In fact, we hope he does get picked because it will mean that he has proven himself to Andy Farrell.
His attacking skills, most notably a turn of pace we have not had since Denis Hickie, could potentially take Ireland's attack to a new dimension. But right now he is still unproven at that level of international rugby, while the incumbents have been in world-class form of late.
James Hume and Stuart McCloskey miss out purely based on the decision to opt for three scrum-halves, while at least one of the versatile trio of Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O'Brien, and Keith Earls will most likely be in Farrell's plans as well.
Harry Byrne, Jack Carty, and Billy Burns could all be in contention, but right now the topic of out-half is a debate that is swimming in a murky pool of ifs, buts, and caveats, and deserves an article of its own.
Ryan Baird, and Joe McCarthy in particular, can also be filed under 'unlucky ones'.
10 July 2021; Irish Rugby ; Robert Baloucoune of Ireland during the International Rugby Friendly match between Ireland and USA at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Bolters
Nathan Doak, John Hodnett, Scott Penny, and Thomas Ahern. These four players have world class potential. Hitting that potential in the little time they have before the World Cup is unlikely, but not far-fetched.
At out-half Ben Healy and Jack Crowley could make a push as well given the ongoing haziness of the Irish outhalf situation.
It seems absurd to label Jacob Stockdale as bolter, but given the fact that he has not featured for Ireland in many months, and that he will have to fight for his Ulster spot, a bolter he would be.
Many were calling, and justifiably so, for Andrew Warwick and/or Josh Wycherley to be included on the recent plane to New Zealand. Loughman proved many wrong and had a good tour, but the two lads will have another year under their belt and will continue to apply pressure. Leinster's Ed Byrne, who was called up to New Zealand, will also be a factor.
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