As Andy Farrell looks to cross the Ts and dot the Is on his November squad, fans are always hoping for a fresh face or two. Ireland's squad for an intriguing November window will be named Wednesday. The early season start to the URC has been a mixed bag for the provinces, with a huge number of injuries, but today we have handpicked a few guys who are in red hot form, and could bolt their way into the selection thoughts.
Ben Murphy
The first man on the list is arguably the most obvious, in Connacht’s Ben Murphy. No longer in the shadows of his father Richie, the young scrum-half has scored four tries in the opening four games, while keeping Caolin Blade out of the starting team. He will be sure to be in the thoughts of Farrell and his management team.
Gus McCarthy
Arguably the most likely selection of the bunch, Leinster’s Gus McCarthy could be a shoe-in for selection this week. The former Ireland under-20 captain is in pole position after injuries to Leinster teammates Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher and Lee Barron, and also impressed on the Emerging Ireland tour.
He made his first start for Leinster against Connacht on Saturday and performed well.
19 October 2024; Gus McCarthy, left, and Rabah Slimani of Leinster after the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Leinster at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
SEE ALSO: The 7 Contenders Battling It Out To Be Ireland’s Hooker This November Amid Injury Crisis
David McCann
Next on the list we head to Ulster, where back-row David McCann has been in excellent form. Despite a sticky start to the season for the northern province, McCann has been near his best, helping to steer them home in the late wins over Glasgow and Connacht. His versatility across the row makes him a live option in green.
Tom Farrell
The oldest member on this list, and a new signing, Munster’s new centre Tom Farrell has been close to his best. The former Connacht centre leads the league in defenders beaten, and would be fully deserving of a long awaited Ireland cap.
Aidan Morgan
18 October 2024; Aidan Morgan of Ulster after his side's victory in the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Next on the list is another new signing in Ulster’s Aidan Morgan. The Kiwi born fly-half has been an attacking spark in every game this season, and with Ireland’s depth chart at 10 behind Jack Crowley still unclear, he should be brought into camp for a chance to impress.
Cathal Forde
The final man on this list is starting this season like he did the last, on career best form. Connacht centre Forde has excelled in midfield, as well as at out-half, and could be looked at as a hybrid option in the same line as Crowley or Frawley.
Forde-tress Breaking Through Defense!📷
Cathal Forde scores a magical try for @connachtrugby - stuff of legends!#BKTURC #URC | #CONvLEI pic.twitter.com/xWxeHb5AFE— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 19, 2024
Honourable Mentions
Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Cormac Izuchukwu, Sam Prendergast
To round things off, there are a few more uncapped options who might squeeze in, albeit having been in camp before. Munster’s Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen and Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu could benefit from injury to Peter O’Mahony freeing up a spot, while Sam Prendergast is poised for a first test cap having played all bar 30 minutes of the Emerging Ireland tour.
Andy Farrell could play it safe with his final squad before he takes the reins with the Lions, but if he is to mix it up, the players listed above have more than a fighting chance.
