Dave Kearney, Jack McGrath and James Coughlan could be making their Test debut next month after being named in Ireland‘s squad ahead of the Autumn internationals.
Boss Joe Schmidt has named the Leinster duo and the Munster flanker in his 34-man party but there is no room for David Kilcoyne, Andrew Trimble and Paul Marshall.
Brian O’Driscoll is also included despite fear over his fitness but Donnacha Ryan, Stephen Ferris, Richardt Strauss, Tommy O’Donnell, Jordi Murphy and Simon Zebo are all missing due to injury.
Facing Samoa, Australia and New Zealand, this will be the first time Schmidt will be in charge since being appointed ahead of this season.
He said: “The squad combines players who have shown form in the domestic season mixed with those who have a proven record at international level.
“As always there were some very difficult decisions. Some players have had limited opportunity to impress due to injury and others have performed very well and it was difficult to leave them out.”
Ireland squad:
Forwards: Stephen Archer, Rory Best, James Coughlan, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O’Brien, Paul O’Connell, Peter O’Mahony, Mike Ross, Mike Sherry, Devin Toner, Dan Tuohy.
Backs: Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Gordon D’Arcy, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Luke Marshall, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Brian O’Driscoll, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton.
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