The depth of Irish rugby continues to grow year on year, and when you look at teams like this one, that strength is especially evident.
A number of top players have missed out on the Six Nations squad, with many not even making it into the No. 15 selection below.
We have a mix of experienced players and uncapped players, with representatives from all four states. Some may be vying for an Ireland cap in the near future, while others will make the leap over the next year.
Irish Rugby Player of the Year who was not selected for the Six Nations squad
Dave Kilcoyne – Loose Head Prop
We were tempted to go with young Jack Boyle, who has been impressive in scrum time and carries this season.
Dennis Buckley continues to do well in his 11th season at Connacht, while Andrew Warwick remains a permanent fixture at Ulster.
Killer, who is currently out for the season, will be valued for his experience at international level.
November 10, 2023. Irish Rugby; Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne before the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.Photo courtesy of Seb Daly/Sports File
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Rob Herring – Hooker
Tom Stewart continues to improve but has yet to become Ulster’s number one. The second jersey of a man who continues to consistently produce goods at both local and international level.
Thanks to Herring’s recent injury, Andy Farrell has not had to make a difficult choice for his Six Nations squad.
Munster’s Niall Scannell made a late charge into the spot after his incredible performance against Toulon.
John Ryan – Tight Head Prop
He has been Munster’s best servant ever and after his recent stint Down Under, he has proven he can also be a top performer in Super Rugby.
Tom Clarkson and Jacques Angers are also showing signs of promise this season.
Edwin Edogbo – Rock
From a neutral point of view, the devastating Achilles injury suffered by Munster’s second-rower was the most difficult of the many injuries suffered by the province in recent weeks.
With his athletic ability, he is a player who is ready to step into international rugby sooner or later.
I’m only 21 years old.
December 26, 2023. Irish Rugby: Edwin Edogbo of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park, Limerick.Photo by: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Niall Murray – Rock
The defensive lineout specialist hasn’t gotten the minutes he and his supporters would have liked this season, but he returned to action for Connacht in the win over Bristol last night and is looking forward to a fantastic 2022. He has many achievements from his achievements. / 23.
Ross Moloney and Kieran Treadwell unfortunately missed out.
John Hodnett – blindside flanker
Munster’s openside would have been in the team regardless, but here they cheated a bit by moving Hodnett out of his usual position.
His performance against Toulon at the weekend was the best of any Irish player this season. With a significant shift in his defense, he now has 20 tackles and a distance of 43 metres.
Connacht’s Cian Prendergast has been in great form this season, as has Leinster’s Max Deegan.
Read here: Brian O’Driscoll says Munster man feels disrespected by Ireland squad
January 13, 2024. Irish Rugby; Munster’s John Hodnett stands in front of Leicester Fainganuk and Toulon’s John Hodnett during the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 Round 3 match between RC Toulon and Munster at the Stade Félix Mayol in Toulon, France. Tackled by Waisea Nayakalevu. Photo credit: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Will Connors – Openside Flanker
Recommendation
Connors’ performance against La Rochelle was a stark reminder of his effectiveness, especially against larger teams.
His tackling ability is a huge difference for flankers and makes him a valuable addition to Leo Cullen and Jack Nienaber.
Gavin Coombs – Number 8
He was desperately unlucky to be placed behind Caelan Doris and Jack Conan, but he still feels he hasn’t reached his full potential yet for Ireland, and rightly so. right.
Thankfully, age is on his side, and a man who is sure to find success with any team could get his chance later this year.
Kaolin Blade – Scrumhalf
It was a close battle between the Connacht man and Ulster’s John Cooney, but Blade has undoubtedly been the province’s standout player this season, having played a whopping 671 minutes so far.
With a little luck, he could add to his Irish tally later this year.
January 19, 2024. Irish Rugby ; Connacht’s Caolin Blade scores his team’s third try in the Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 Round 4 match between Connacht and Bristol Bears at Dexcombe Stadium, Galway.Photo courtesy of Seb Daly/Sports File
Ross Byrne – Outhalf
Byrne would have been second choice for the Six Nations had he not been injured against Munster in November.
His absence created a huge opportunity for both his brother Harry and Ciaran Frawley.
Shane Daly – Left Wing
Graham Rountree has been a constant presence in the ongoing Munster project, with his all-round game making him a reliable presence at both wing and full-back.
Connacht’s Shane Bolton and Diarmuid Kilgallen are both unlucky to miss out.
Antoine Frisch – Outside Center
All of Frisch’s starts for Munster have been as inside center, but his skills have made him adept at both No. 12 and No. 13.
He is one of a number of talented Irish centers who will compete for Ireland caps despite being consistently good at club level due to the presence of Ringrose, Aki, Henshaw and McCloskey.
Cathal Ford, 22, also deserves attention but was unlucky not to be called on by Andy Farrell as a ‘training panellist’.
January 1, 2024. Irish Rugby; Munster’s Antoine Frisch plays against Connacht’s Bundy Aki during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Munster at the Galway Sports Ground. Photo credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
James Hume – Outside Center
The Ulster XIII is approaching the form that made him one of the country’s most exciting talents a few years ago.
Jamie Osborne would have been stiff competition for this spot had he not suffered an injury early in the season, but Tom Farrell remains one of the most underrated players in the country.
Robert Balkoon – Right Wing
There are few finer sights in Irish rugby than Big Bob plunging down the right flank, diving past an opponent and grabbing the air that follows.
Injuries, bad luck and an unstable Ulster team have hampered his chances in Ireland.
Leinster’s Tommy O’Brien received an honorable mention.
Read here: Analysis: Robert Balkoon and the Fall of Missed Opportunities
Simon Zebo – Fullback
He was the most talked about player before the Six Nations squad was announced, and for good reason.
Zebo showed that he is still an international class with quality performances in both attack and defense against Leinster and Toulon.
His age and the fact that he doesn’t have an option to say no. The 23-year-old is keeping him away from the Ireland squad.
Teammate Mike Haley was not considered because he has not played yet this season.
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