Ireland Rugby head coach Andy Farrell named a 36-player squad for the November 2026 Nations Championship, with Dan Sheehan appointed captain and two uncapped Ulster players receiving their first senior call-ups.
The squad, announced Oct. 21, includes 19 forwards and 17 backs. James McNabney and Jamie Benson are the newcomers, while injuries have ruled out several established internationals, including Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Jack Crowley.
Ireland also will be without center Garry Ringrose for all three November matches because of injury, creating another significant selection challenge for Farrell.
Ireland opens its November campaign against Argentina on Friday, Nov. 6, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, before hosting Fiji and South Africa.
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The Irish enter November fourth in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 10 championship points, two behind France. Below is the complete announced squad, updated injury information and FloRugby's predicted starting XV and replacements for the Argentina match.
Ireland Rugby Nations Championship Roster 2026: Full Squad
Farrell announced Ireland's 36-player squad on Wednesday, Oct. 21, for the three November regular-season matches and preparations for Finals Weekend.
The following roster reflects that original announcement. Ringrose was included in the announced squad but subsequently was ruled out of all three November matches because of injury.
Ireland Rugby Forwards
Props
- Billy Bohan — Prop — Connacht Rugby
- Thomas Clarkson — Tighthead prop — Leinster Rugby
- Tadhg Furlong — Tighthead prop — Leinster Rugby
- Sam Illo — Tighthead prop — Connacht Rugby
- Tom O'Toole — Prop — Ulster Rugby
- Andrew Porter — Loosehead prop — Leinster Rugby
Hookers
- Rónan Kelleher — Hooker — Leinster Rugby
- Dan Sheehan — Hooker, captain — Leinster Rugby
- Tom Stewart — Hooker — Ulster Rugby
Locks
- Tadhg Beirne — Lock/back row — Munster Rugby
- Joe McCarthy — Lock — Leinster Rugby
- Darragh Murray — Lock — Connacht Rugby
- James Ryan — Lock — Leinster Rugby
Back-Row Forwards
- Ryan Baird — Back row/lock — Leinster Rugby
- Sean Jansen — Back row — Connacht Rugby
- James McNabney — Back row — Ulster Rugby
- Cian Prendergast — Back row — Connacht Rugby
- Nick Timoney — Back row — Ulster Rugby
- Josh van der Flier — Openside flanker — Leinster Rugby
Total forwards: 19
Ireland Rugby Backs
Scrum-Halves
- Craig Casey — Scrum-half — Munster Rugby
- Nathan Doak — Scrum-half — Ulster Rugby
- Jamison Gibson-Park — Scrum-half — Leinster Rugby
- Fly-Halves And Utility Backs
- Jamie Benson — Fly-half/center — Ulster Rugby
- Ciarán Frawley — Fly-half/utility back — Connacht Rugby
- Sam Prendergast — Fly-half — Leinster Rugby
Centers
- Bundee Aki — Center — Connacht Rugby
- Robbie Henshaw — Center — Leinster Rugby
- Stuart McCloskey — Center — Ulster Rugby
- Jamie Osborne — Center/fullback — Leinster Rugby
- Garry Ringrose — Center — Leinster Rugby (injured; unavailable for all three November matches)
Wings And Fullbacks
- Rob Baloucoune — Wing — Ulster Rugby
- Mack Hansen — Wing — Connacht Rugby
- Hugo Keenan — Fullback — Leinster Rugby
- Jimmy O'Brien — Wing/fullback — Leinster Rugby
- Tommy O'Brien — Wing — Leinster Rugby
- Jacob Stockdale — Wing — Ulster Rugby
Total backs originally announced: 17
Total originally announced Ireland squad: 36 players
Sheehan is the officially announced squad captain. Benson and McNabney are the two uncapped players.
Ringrose's injury means he will not be available for selection against Argentina, Fiji or South Africa. His inclusion above reflects the original squad announcement, not his current playing availability.
Ireland Rugby Predicted Starting XV Vs. Argentina: Nov. 6, 2026
Ireland begins the November Nations Championship against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on Friday, Nov. 6.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET, equivalent to 8:10 p.m. in Dublin. The following is FloRugby's editorial prediction, not an official Ireland matchday lineup.
The selection accounts for Ringrose's absence, other confirmed injuries, established international combinations and the players named in the Oct. 21 squad announcement.
Predicted Ireland Starting XV
- Andrew Porter — Loosehead prop — Leinster Rugby
- Dan Sheehan — Hooker, captain — Leinster Rugby
- Tadhg Furlong — Tighthead prop — Leinster Rugby
- Joe McCarthy — Lock — Leinster Rugby
- James Ryan — Lock — Leinster Rugby
- Tadhg Beirne — Blindside flanker — Munster Rugby
- Josh van der Flier — Openside flanker — Leinster Rugby
- Cian Prendergast — No. 8 — Connacht Rugby
- Jamison Gibson-Park — Scrum-half — Leinster Rugby
- Sam Prendergast — Fly-half — Leinster Rugby
- Jacob Stockdale — Left wing — Ulster Rugby
- Bundee Aki — Inside center — Connacht Rugby
- Robbie Henshaw — Outside center — Leinster Rugby
- Mack Hansen — Right wing — Connacht Rugby
- Hugo Keenan — Fullback — Leinster Rugby
Predicted Ireland Replacements
- Rónan Kelleher — Hooker — Leinster Rugby
- Tom O'Toole — Prop — Ulster Rugby
- Thomas Clarkson — Tighthead prop — Leinster Rugby
- Ryan Baird — Lock/back row — Leinster Rugby
- Nick Timoney — Back row — Ulster Rugby
- Craig Casey — Scrum-half — Munster Rugby
- Ciarán Frawley — Fly-half/utility back — Connacht Rugby
- Stuart McCloskey — Center — Ulster Rugby
Prediction status: These 23 players are selected from Ireland's originally announced squad, excluding Ringrose and other players identified as unavailable. Farrell has not confirmed the starting XV or bench for Argentina.
The predicted lineup uses a conventional five-forward, three-back replacement split.
Why These Players Could Start For Ireland
Robbie Henshaw Could Replace Injured Garry Ringrose
Ringrose's absence creates one of Ireland's biggest selection questions heading into November.
The Leinster center will miss all three Nations Championship matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, removing an experienced defensive organizer from Ireland's midfield.
Henshaw is a leading candidate to replace Ringrose at outside center.
The prediction pairs Henshaw with Bundee Aki, giving Ireland an experienced midfield combination against Argentina.
Aki provides a powerful carrying option at inside center, while Henshaw brings experience at both center positions and familiarity with Ireland's defensive structure.
Stuart McCloskey also has a strong case for selection, particularly if Farrell wants a different midfield combination. Jamie Osborne offers another option and can cover fullback.
This prediction places McCloskey on the bench, where he could provide midfield cover.
Ringrose's injury also makes the midfield a major storyline beyond the Argentina opener. Farrell must settle on combinations capable of facing Fiji's attacking threats and South Africa's physical challenge without one of Ireland's established centers.
Sam Prendergast Leads The Fly-Half Prediction
Ireland's fly-half selection has been affected by injuries to Jack Crowley and Harry Byrne.
Their absence leaves Sam Prendergast as the most obvious specialist No. 10 candidate in the announced squad.
Prendergast has accumulated international experience and offers Ireland a passing and kicking option at fly-half. Ciarán Frawley provides an alternative and can cover several backline positions.
Jamie Benson is another option, but the uncapped Ulster player would be making his senior Ireland debut if selected.
The prediction favors Prendergast to start, with Frawley covering fly-half and other positions from the bench.
How Ireland Could Replace Caelan Doris And Jack Conan
Ireland's back-row selection is complicated by injuries to Doris and Conan.
Both have been central figures in Ireland's forward pack, and their absence creates an opportunity for other players.
This prediction moves Tadhg Beirne to blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier at openside and Cian Prendergast at No. 8.
That combination would allow Ireland to retain experienced lineout and breakdown options while giving Prendergast a significant starting opportunity.
Nick Timoney is another strong contender, particularly after his July performances.
Ryan Baird offers additional flexibility between the second row and back row.
Farrell could choose a different combination depending on the physical demands of the Argentina match.
Ireland's Midfield Depth Faces A Major Test
Ireland entered the November window with several experienced midfield options, but Ringrose's injury reduces Farrell's flexibility. Henshaw and Aki offer an established combination, while McCloskey provides another experienced option at inside center.
Osborne can contribute at center or fullback, making him a potential selection consideration if Farrell adjusts the balance of his backline.
The absence of Ringrose also affects Ireland's replacement strategy. Rather than carrying Henshaw as experienced midfield cover, Farrell could need him in the starting lineup.
That would create additional opportunities for McCloskey or Osborne.
With three international matches in consecutive weeks, Ireland's ability to maintain effective midfield combinations could become an important factor in its Nations Championship campaign.
Mack Hansen And Hugo Keenan Return To The Back Three
Hansen and Keenan are among Ireland's established back-three options. Hansen returns to the squad after missing the July Nations Championship matches.
Keenan provides experience at fullback, while Jacob Stockdale is the predicted left wing.
Rob Baloucoune, Jimmy O'Brien and Tommy O'Brien are also available.
The final selection may depend on the balance Farrell wants between aerial ability, defensive coverage and attacking pace.
Who Is In Ireland's 2026 Nations Championship Squad?
Ireland's November group contains a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging players.
Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw provide established Test experience among the available players.
Ringrose also was named in the original squad, but his subsequent injury has ruled him out of the November matches.
The return of players such as Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen, Tommy O'Brien and Porter strengthens the options available after the July tour.
Farrell has retained several players who gained experience during the summer Nations Championship fixtures.
Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, Sean Jansen and Darragh Murray are among those looking to build on their recent international opportunities.
The two uncapped Ulster players, Benson and McNabney, provide additional depth in positions affected by injury.
Ireland's squad reflects the influence of its four professional provinces, with Leinster supplying the largest contingent in the original announcement.
Who Is Ireland's Rugby Captain And Head Coach In 2026?
Andy Farrell is Ireland's head coach.
Dan Sheehan has been officially named captain for the November Nations Championship squad.
Sheehan also led Ireland during the July window while regular captain Caelan Doris was unavailable. Doris remains sidelined by injury, meaning Sheehan continues in the leadership role.
The Leinster hooker combines a central role in Ireland's forward pack with considerable international experience.
Farrell's challenge is to maintain Ireland's competitiveness while managing injuries to several established players, including Doris, Conan, Crowley and Ringrose.
Which Players Are New To Ireland's Nations Championship Squad?
Ireland has included two uncapped players in its November squad.
James McNabney — Ulster Rugby
- McNabney is a back-row forward who has earned his first senior Ireland call-up. He returns to international consideration after a serious knee injury disrupted his previous season. His selection provides Ireland with additional back-row depth while Doris and Conan are unavailable.
Jamie Benson — Ulster Rugby
- Benson is a versatile back who can play fly-half, center and other backline positions. He joined Ulster from Harlequins ahead of the current season. The former England age-grade international has earned his first senior Ireland call-up after impressing in provincial rugby. Neither player has made a senior Ireland Test appearance as of the squad announcement. A place in the squad does not guarantee a debut during November.
Which Ireland Rugby Players Are Injured Or Missing?
Ireland's November preparations have been affected by several significant injuries, including the loss of Garry Ringrose for all three matches.
The original squad announcement identified the following players as unavailable for selection:
- Jack Boyle — Prop
- Harry Byrne — Fly-half
- Jack Conan — Back row
- Jack Crowley — Fly-half
- Caelan Doris — Back row
- Iain Henderson — Lock
- Paddy McCarthy — Prop
- Calvin Nash — Wing
- Bryn Ward — Back row
Garry Ringrose — Center — was named in the Oct. 21 squad but subsequently was ruled out of the entire November Nations Championship schedule because of injury.
Ringrose's absence is particularly significant because Ireland already is managing injuries across several positions.
Doris' absence affects the back row and removes Ireland's regular captain from consideration. Conan's injury further reduces Ireland's established options at No. 8.
The injuries to Crowley and Byrne affect the competition for the fly-half position.
Ringrose's injury creates an additional challenge at outside center, where Henshaw becomes a leading candidate to start alongside Aki.
Farrell still has experienced alternatives in McCloskey and Osborne, but the injury reduces his ability to rotate established midfield combinations during November.
Ireland must compensate for those absences while preparing for three demanding Tests against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.
Which Provinces Have The Most Players In Ireland's 2026 Squad?
Ireland's four United Rugby Championship provinces supplied all 36 players in the original November squad announcement.
The breakdown is:
- Leinster Rugby: 16 players.
- Ulster Rugby: 9 players.
- Connacht Rugby: 9 players.
- Munster Rugby: 2 players.
Total originally announced: 36 players.
Leinster supplied the largest contingent, including Sheehan, Furlong, Porter, Gibson-Park, Ringrose and van der Flier. Ringrose remains part of the original Leinster total but is unavailable for the November matches because of injury.
Ulster's representation includes the two uncapped selections, Benson and McNabney.
Connacht contributes players across the forwards and backs, including Aki, Hansen and Cian Prendergast. Munster's representatives are Tadhg Beirne and Craig Casey.
The United Rugby Championship remains central to Ireland's player development and international squad depth.
Ireland Rugby Nations Championship Schedule And Standings
Ireland enters November fourth in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 10 championship points.
France leads with 12, Scotland follows with 11, and England is level with Ireland on 10.
Ireland's points difference after July is minus-1.
Ireland's July 2026 Nations Championship Results
- July 4: Ireland 33, Australia 31 — Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
- July 11: Ireland 36, Japan 20 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia.
- July 18: New Zealand 40, Ireland 21 — Eden Park, Auckland.
Ireland won its first two matches before losing to New Zealand.
The victories against Australia and Japan earned eight championship points, with two additional try-scoring bonus points bringing Ireland's total to 10.
Ireland's November 2026 Nations Championship Fixtures
- Friday, Nov. 6: Ireland vs. Argentina — 3:10 p.m. ET — Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
- Saturday, Nov. 14: Ireland vs. Fiji — 3:10 p.m. ET — Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
- Saturday, Nov. 21: Ireland vs. South Africa — 11:40 a.m. ET — Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Ireland remains in contention for the Northern Hemisphere's Grand Final place. Victories in November would give Farrell's team an opportunity to overtake France, Scotland and England, although results elsewhere will also matter.
How Does The 2026 Nations Championship Work?
The inaugural Nations Championship features 12 countries divided into Northern and Southern Hemisphere groups.
- The Northern Hemisphere consists of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
- The Southern Hemisphere includes Argentina, Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Each country plays six regular-season matches against teams from the opposite hemisphere.
Three rounds took place in July, with three more scheduled for November.
Teams receive:
- Four championship points for a win.
- Two points for a draw.
- One bonus point for scoring four tries.
- One bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer.
If teams finish level on championship points, tiebreakers begin with total wins, followed by points difference, tries difference and tries scored.
The first-place team from each hemisphere advances to the Grand Final. The remaining countries compete in placement matches against the corresponding seed from the opposite hemisphere. There are no semifinals.
When Is The 2026 Nations Championship Final?
The inaugural Nations Championship Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11:40 a.m. ET.
Ireland must finish first in the Northern Hemisphere standings to reach the championship match.
All 12 countries will compete during Finals Weekend, Nov. 27-29. Ireland's opponent and match time will depend on its final regular-season ranking.
How To Watch Ireland Rugby In The United States
RugbyPass TV is the U.S. streaming destination for the 2026 Nations Championship.
That includes Ireland's November fixtures against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.
American fans can consult RugbyPass TV for live coverage and scheduling information.
The Nations Championship's U.S. broadcast rights are separate from FloRugby's professional club rugby coverage.
How To Watch Ireland Rugby Stars Year-Round On FloRugby In The United States
American rugby fans can follow many of Ireland's leading international players throughout the professional club season on FloRugby.
FloRugby streams:
- United Rugby Championship.
- Investec Champions Cup.
- EPCR Challenge Cup.
- Gallagher PREM.
- Top 14.
- Japan Rugby League One.
The United Rugby Championship is particularly relevant to Ireland supporters because all four Irish provinces compete in the tournament:
- Leinster Rugby.
- Munster Rugby.
- Ulster Rugby.
- Connacht Rugby.
Fans can follow Sheehan, Furlong, Gibson-Park, Henshaw and Ringrose at Leinster; Beirne and Casey at Munster; Hansen and Aki at Connacht; and Stockdale and Baloucoune at Ulster.
Although Ringrose is unavailable for the November internationals, FloRugby's coverage of Leinster provides opportunities to follow him during the professional club season when healthy.
The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup provide additional opportunities to follow Irish players against leading European opposition.
FloRugby's coverage of the Gallagher PREM, Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One also gives American fans access to professional rugby throughout the season.
Watch Ireland rugby stars in the United Rugby Championship and European club competitions on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?
Yes. FloRugby offers live and on-demand rugby throughout the year with a subscription.
Fans can follow major club competitions and international rugby on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Match availability varies by region and broadcast rights.
What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?
FloRugby streams the United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM, Top 14, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and more.
Visit the FloRugby watch schedule to explore upcoming events. Availability varies by location and competition rights.
Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?
FloRugby provides rugby news, schedules, results, rankings and analysis throughout the season.
Visit FloRugby.com for the latest coverage from Europe's leading club competitions and beyond.
Where Can I Follow FloRugby?
Follow FloRugby for rugby news, highlights and updates throughout the season.
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