Set for Ireland debut: Richardt Strauss
South African-born Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss is one of four uncapped players named in Ireland's 31-man squad for the November Tests.
Ireland will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in their three-Test series.
Ulster centre Luke Marshall and forward Iain Henderson, who were involved in the Ireland training camp in September, are included in the squad as are Munster prop David Kilcoyne and hooker Strauss, who is now eligible to play for Ireland based on his residency In Ireland for the past three years.
Leinster full-back Rob Kearney will miss the November internationals as he requires surgery on a troublesome back injury and could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.
There are also changes to the Irish staff with Head Coach Declan Kidney being joined by current Munster assistant coach and former international Anthony Foley.
Foley will be now be leading the defence plans and systems allowing assistant coach Les Kiss to concentrate on attack and the backline.
Foley will continue working with Munster outside of the international window. It was also confirmed that Leinster scrum coach Greg Feek will continue providing his expertise to the Ireland team during competition time.
"We have three incredibly competitive games ahead of us in November and while there have been quite a few injuries and niggles in the early part of the season, it has opened up opportunities for other players to step into the squad," said Kidney.
"There are world ranking points on offer, so the underlying challenge for us is to work towards retaining and improving our ranking position ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool draw. While that is the end goal, our focus will be getting our preparations right to match the intensity of international games.
"I'm pleased that Anthony has taken up the offer of working with the squad to assist during this vital period in November. His previous experience of working with the team during the last RBS 6 Nations championship was important, but his own abilities and experience were central to bringing him onboard. I would like to thank Rob Penney and Joe Schmidt for being so positive and giving Anthony Foley and Greg (Feek) the scope to be part of the plans that we have."
Ireland squad:
Rory Best (Ulster), Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Darren Cave (Ulster), Tom Court (Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Keith Earls (Munster), Stephen Ferris (Ulster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Chris Henry (Ulster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), John Muldoon (Connacht), Conor Murray (Munster), Mike McCarthy (Connacht), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Kevin McLaughlin (Leinster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Paul O'Connell (Munster), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster - Captain), Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster), Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Dan Tuohy (Ulster), Simon Zebo (Munster).
Comments
GCP_jones says...
I'm delighted to see Richardt Strauss making the Irish squad, no one could agrue with his inclusion.
However I do have reservations about the IRFU policy of bringing in players with no Irish Roots, the likes of Strauss,Jared Payne,Quinn Roux, CJ Stander with word from NZ that Penney wants to bring in his fomer captain Ash Parker and Mc Nicholl from the Canterbury.
Basically I think there should be a limit to the amount of players from abroard who would be ear-marked to play for Ireland, it must send out the wrong signals to lads coming up through the academy/school or club's.
Posted 13:48 24th October 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Too many Munster men living on borrowed time.
Posted 13:45 24th October 2012
mcdb06 says...
@ melkdave Toner is useless. Weak going forward, nothing more than a beanpole with a bit of extra reach in the lineout. Leinster have no confidence in him, hasnt played lately and the fact that they have signed Nathan Hines and Brad Thorn to play alongside Leo Cullen highlights this. Hasnt nailed down a starting place in 4 seasons.
Good to see Kilcoyne and Strauss getting call up. Be better if they were given a game. Typical conservative and generally poor selection from Kidney. Still get the impression that the suits in the IRFU have an influence in selection. All centrally contracted players being picked despite playing poorly for years e.g D'arcy, O'Callaghan. The Ireland XV v Fiji match will be the only one worth watching, most likely to see some new blood in it.
Posted 13:37 24th October 2012
Houston_11 says...
Completely agree with everything said here. How Paddy Jackson isn't even in the squad baffles me... what a time to give him a go at International level. The same with Gilroy and Madigan plus he's showing his versatility now that he can slot into 15 and do a job.
And no Paul Marshall!!! Did he sleep with Kidney's wife (more likely daughter but you get my point)!?
Posted 13:35 24th October 2012
TVaddict says...
@DaveJ
Totally agree. I may be English but I have Irish relatives and I like to see Ireland do well (though obviously not against England!). How long will you guys put up with Kidney? Considering the players he's had to work with Ireland should have done a lot better over the last few years.
Also, where is Downey, who is going to be you inside centre? He may not be exciting, but he gets you over the gain line and doesn't miss tackles like your other options.
I have to say, the amount of talent you guys have at hooker and second row is incredible. Got Strauss and Best competing for a place, two of the best performing Hookers in the NH and then you've got O'Connell, Tuohy, Ryan and Henderson competing for 4 and 5! Although there must still be concerns about the scrum if either of your first choice props get injured.
Posted 13:34 24th October 2012
luv2h8 says...
I gave up when he dropped Fitzgerald...Kidney failure to go after 6 nations after another flop.
Posted 13:21 24th October 2012
spike19 says...
Kidney has once again demonstrated that he a terrible selector with tunnel vision. This may be blasphemy but I hope we lose so he gets sacked because I cant take these absurd selection calls and complete disregard for form any more. There is a whole generation of players whose development is being stultified by Kidney's compulsive conservatism!
Posted 13:15 24th October 2012
spike19 says...
Some strange selections here, why are there 6 locks?
You only need 4 locks in a squad so why are O'Callaghan and McCarthy there! This would free up space for another Hooker and Scrum Half.
What is the point in selecting Muldoon over the young, in form and promising Dougall?
O'Gara is injured and not in form like Madigan or Jackson, this whole wolfhounds initiation line is ridiculous!
Gutted for Paul Marshall he should be on the bench at least and he's not even in the squad!
Luke Marshall is a good player but isn't even starting regularly for Ulster. Dave McSharry should in there hands down. And after him James Downey!
Who is going to cover fullback?
Why oh why is D'arcy in there?
Tom Court, really has he forgotten what happened against England??
Posted 13:14 24th October 2012
BODsGODmisspelt says...
So Earls will definitely be at full back. So much for his move to centre.
A lot of young guys deserve to be in this squad and can feel extremely hard done by.
How ROG is still being picked is beyond me. Madigan offers far more, obviously he has less experience and is a less dependant kicker but his running threat cancels that.
I though Henshaw was worth a punt. I know he's young and has only made the Connacht squad this year, but I think he looks to be absolute quality.
I'll hope for the best in the tests but, I fear we might be in for a hiding
Posted 13:08 24th October 2012
GCP_jones says...
My god Deccie 4 new caps your losing the run of yourself. I have read the list a few times just in case I missed it but Mike Ross the only specialist tighthead now thats a worry.
Posted 13:02 24th October 2012
jmckenna92 says...
no paddy wallace or paddy jackson? paul marshall can do nothing more kidney just does not like him instead we have connor murray jogging to the back of every ruck and taking a year to get the ball out. Dissapointed for Cronin and Madigan and Keatley all have played really well.
Posted 12:59 24th October 2012
martinmarais78 says...
Glad he made his way from the Cheetahs to Ireland, rather than the Sharks -> France club move!
Posted 12:44 24th October 2012
melkdave says...
NO NO NO that is a dreadfull squad imo Darcy again really instead of Downey ,no P.Marshal but C.Murrey,DOC over D.Toner and ROG instead of P.Jackson no Gilroy either .I could go on and on but tbh im to depressed.Had such hopes for Ireland this aurtum ,but now wouldnt be surprised if they lost every test match.
Posted 12:42 24th October 2012
rockman says...
Kidney has to go! Nothing here shows he can overturn the 60-nil drubbing from NZ. He needs to bring in more of the younger guys like Keatley or Madigan for O'Gara,
Posted 12:42 24th October 2012
DaveJ says...
Great to see Richard Strauss in the Irish squad (unfortunately at the expense of Cronin) but again no Paul Marshal.... lord baby jesus christ what does the guy need to do? Also Madigan being ignored for a well past it O' Gara whilst Kidney picking no natural or even currently active fullback at all??....stupidity! Also a shame that Kearney Senior has been ruled out for several months today and still no return for Seany either. I smell a harsh November ahead. ah why do I even bother getting pissed off about that knob Kidneys selections anymore, I'm not buying anymore match tickets until he is ousted.
Posted 12:36 24th October 2012