Farrell Names 37-Player Squad for 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Announces Leadership Changes
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell today unveiled a 37-player squad, sponsored by Vodafone, to compete in the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship. The announcement signals the start of preparations for a campaign that will see Ireland face a challenging schedule, beginning with a tough away fixture against France.
Farrell’s side will kick off their 2026 Championship against France at Stade de France on Thursday, February 5th, with an 8:10 PM Irish time kickoff. Caelan Doris will once again lead the team as captain, demonstrating continued faith in his leadership qualities. The squad features two uncapped players poised to make their international debuts.
Edwin Edogbo, a Munster second row previously included in the Autumn Nations Series squad before being sidelined by injury, and Nathan Doak, an Ulster scrum-half, have been called up to the squad. Their inclusion recognizes consistent strong performances for their respective provinces in recent weeks. Additionally, Darragh Murray of Connacht and Bryn Ward of Ulster will join the squad during a training camp in Portugal before linking up with the Ireland XV squad.
The squad is not without its absences. Several key players are currently unavailable due to injury, including Cormac Izuchukwu, Robbie Henshaw, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, and Andrew Porter. Further compounding injury concerns, Ryan Baird, Shayne Bolton, Mack Hansen, Jordan Larmour, and Paddy McCarthy have also been ruled out of contention.
Following the opening round clash in Paris, Ireland will return to the Aviva Stadium to face Italy on Saturday, February 14th, at 2:10 PM. A subsequent match against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, also with a 2:10 PM kickoff. The campaign will conclude with back-to-back home matches in Dublin. Wales will visit the Aviva Stadium for a Round 4 showdown on Friday, March 6th, at 8:10 PM, followed by a “Super Saturday” clash against Scotland on Saturday, March 15th, at 2:10 PM.
The Ireland squad will initially assemble in Dublin on Sunday before embarking on a warm-weather training camp in Quinta do Lago. In a further development, Mick Kearney will return as Team Manager ahead of the tournament, having previously held similar roles with Leinster and the Ireland U20s. This marks Kearney’s third stint in the position, and he will work alongside Gerard Carmody, who will continue to oversee the team’s operational direction.
Commenting on the squad selection, Farrell expressed his confidence in the group’s potential. “I am delighted to announce the squad for the forthcoming Guinness Men’s Six Nations,” he said. “I believe that we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks.” He acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, stating, “The Six Nations is an incredible tournament which brings out the best in players, and I have no doubt that these fixtures will be keenly contested once more.”
Farrell emphasized the increasing level of competition among opposing teams, adding, “The competition levels across all of the opposing teams has never been higher and we have an exciting challenge first up away to France in Paris to kick things off.” He anticipates strong support from Irish fans, noting, “It will be a huge test as always, and I have no doubt that there will be a huge travelling support over from Ireland once more to cheer on the team in a wonderful stadium we know well from our experiences at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
The coach highlighted the squad’s evolution, with 12 players having earned their international debuts in the past year. “The squad has evolved over the last 18 months, with 12 players making their international debuts over the last year alone, and I know how keen this group is to make its mark for Ireland,” he stated. He affirmed the team’s focus, saying, “Led once more by Caelan (Doris), we know that we have to hit the ground running and we’re looking forward to regrouping on Sunday and meeting the challenges ahead in a positive frame of mind.”
Farrell also welcomed Kearney back to the team, praising his experience and mentorship skills. “In congratulating each of the players on their selection, I am also pleased to welcome back Mick Kearney as Team Manager. Mick is vastly experienced and has played a key role in mentoring a vast number of players for many years. I have no doubt that he will continue to positively influence the squad in this campaign and beyond.”
Ireland Squad – 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations:
Forwards (20):
Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster)(2)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(54)
Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(65)
Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster)(4)
Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)(10)
Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(55)
Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)(55)(captain)
Edwin Edogbo (UCC/Munster)*
Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(82)
Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(43)
Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster)(5)
Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(19)
Michael Milne (UCD/Munster)(2)
Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(17)
Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(8)
James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(76)
Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(35)
Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(4)
Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster)(6)
Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(75)
Backs (17):
Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(68)
Robert Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster)(4)
Harry Byrne (Lansdowne/Leinster)(4)
Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(24)
Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(30)
Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster)*
Tom Farrell (Lansdowne/Munster)(2)
Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(9)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(46)
Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster)(46)
James Lowe (Leinster)(43)
Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(23)
Tommy O’Brien (Blackrock College/Leinster)(6)
Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(10)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(13)
Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(69)
Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(40)
2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Fixtures:
Thursday, 5 February: France v Ireland, Stade de France, 8.10pm Irish time
Saturday, 14 February: Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium, 2.10pm
Saturday, 21 February: England v Ireland, Allianz Stadium, 2.10pm
Friday, 6 March: Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
Saturday, 14 March: Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, 2.10pm.
