Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and 3E Line Jack Conan will miss Ireland's two Tests against world champions South Africa in July due to injury.
Gibson-Park, the undisputed holder of the scrum-half position, is out with a hamstring injury, while his Leinster teammate is unavailable for personal reasons.
Andy Farrell called first at 2E Ulster line-up Cormac Izuchukwu and Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast are among the 35-man squad captained by Peter O'Mahony. Ireland will face the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday 6 July, followed by a second encounter seven days later at Durban's Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
South Africa
Ireland
All statistics and data
Hooker Rob Herring is also back, unlike Connacht winger Mack Hansen, 2E Ulster row Ian Henderson is out with eye surgery.
Connacht scrum-half Kaolin Blade, two caps, joins the group taking advantage of Gibson-Park's absence.
Ireland have won their last three matches against South Africa, including a 13-8 victory in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup.
However, the Springboks managed to retain the Webb Ellis Cup in the final, defeating New Zealand, who knocked out the Irish in the quarter-finals.
“Traveling to South Africa to play a Test series against the reigning world champions is less important than another Test for us. Above all, it's another valuable opportunity to grow and develop outside the Six Nations,” Ireland coach Andy Farrell emphasized.
“The group knows that we must be ready immediately and be at our best to meet the challenge that awaits us.”
The selected players will meet in Dublin on Thursday to prepare for the tour before leaving for Johannesburg next Tuesday.
“It's an honor to be asked to lead Ireland to one of the most challenging nations in rugby, South Africa,” said captain Peter O'Mahony.
“As the reigning world champions, South Africa represents the toughest test and we know we need to perform well to get the results we want. »
“The two countries respect each other and know each other well over the years at international and club level, especially since they (the South Africans) have been invited to participate in the URC (United Rugby Championship) and the European Cup, we know. The challenge that awaits us. »
Tv fanatic. Amateur food maven. Devoted webaholic. Travel lover. Entrepreneur. Evil writer. Beer guru.
