Who’s In & Who’s Out Amid Some Big Calls In Ireland Six Nations Squad

Andy Farrell will name his Ireland Six Nations squad today, with some big decisions to be made in a number of key positions.

The injury concerns have mounted for Ireland in recent times, especially in the front row. Ireland were given really bad news on Wednesday about the status of Mack Hansen, who it seems will not be involved with Ireland or Connacht at all this season. There will also be concerns about niggles picked up by some players during recent European fixtures.

In better news, a couple of key players are likely to return to the setup after recent injuries. Elsewhere, some fresh players have played their way into consideration with their form at provincial level.

READ ALSO: Ronan O’Gara Pulled No Punches With Comments After ‘Unacceptable’ La Rochelle Exit

READ ALSO: Kearney Fears For Jack Crowley’s Place In Ireland Team After Munster Stunned By Castres

Andy Farrell to name Ireland Six Nations squad
When Will Andy Farrell Name His Ireland Six Nations squad?

Andy Farrell will name his Ireland Six Nations squad on Wednesday, January 21st. It is expected that the announcement will come at 3pm.

Who’s Out Of Ireland Six Nations Squad?

Ireland and Connacht were handed some really bad news this week when Stuart Lancaster effectively ruled Mack Hansen out for the entire season. Andy Farrell had been planning without Hansen for the Six Nations but it’s unclear if he’ll be able to play a part in any Ireland or Connacht games this season. Hansen has been dogged by injury the past year or so and his rehab from surgery last year will likely extend into the spring and summer.

Per Cian Tracey in the Indo,  Lancaster was doubtful about Hansen’s availability this season. “It will be tight. It will be a struggle I think.”

Ireland have a number of injury concerns heading into the Six Nations, particularly in the front row.

Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy are both out at the moment, meaning the inexperienced Jack Boyle is in position to start at loosehead prop in the opener against France. Finlay Bealham is considered a doubt for the Six Nations as well.

Ryan Baird has also been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations and will not be considered for selection.

Who Is Likely To Be Included In Ireland Six Nations Squad?

Tadhg Furlong picked up a knock in Leinster’s win over Bayonne at the weekend, but the province saying that he will be assessed over the coming days and could be available for their game against Connacht this weekend.

The same can be said of Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien, and Tommy O’Brien, who will all undergo further assessments but are nearing full fitness.

That injury report also had good news in regards to Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osborne, both of whom are stepping up their training regimens and are likely to be available for Ireland. Ciarán Frawley and Jack Conan are also back in action after their recent knocks.

The Irish Independent report that the likes of Zac Ward and Joshua Kenny will be in the mix for selection, as will Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson.

It is expected that Harry Byrne will be included after his recent resurgence at Leinster.

SEE ALSO: O’Sullivan Explains Why Farrell May Have Little Choice Over Who To Back As Ireland ’10’