Six Ulster players have been named in a 28-player Ireland XV Squad,sponsored by Vodafone, ahead of next month’s clash against Fiji ‘A’ at Virgin Media Park.
Coached by Mark Sexton, the Ireland XV squad will return to action for the first of three matches during the 2026/27 season when they welcome Fiji ‘A’ to Cork on Friday, 20 November (Kick-off 7.45pm).
The squad, captained by Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy, will assemble in Cork on Monday, 16 November to begin preparations for the Friday night lights showdown.
The game will form part of a double-header at Virgin Media Park as Ireland U20s go head-to-head with Scotland U20s earlier in the evening at 5pm, with broadcast details for both matches to be confirmed in due course.
Speaking on today’s squad announcement, Ireland XV Head Coach Sexton said: “I am proud and excited to work with the Ireland XV squad for the forthcoming match against Fiji 'A' in Cork.
“This will be a great opportunity to provide an ambitious playing group from across the four provinces with a meaningful fixture against what is a talented Fiji side.
“I know from my personal experience of coaching sides in Cork with the Ireland U20s how influential a vocal Cork and Munster supporter base can be and hopefully we can count on another big crowd.
“I'm looking forward to working with the coaching team and players over the coming weeks.
“This is a hugely important fixture for players to put their hands up and try to break into the senior Men's squad and everyone will be motivated to be switched on and ready to take the chance to deliver in an Irish jersey.”
Tickets for the double-header at Virgin Media Park are on sale now via Ticketmaster.ie.
Ireland XV Squad:
Forwards (16):
Tom Ahern (Munster)
Jack Aungier (Munster)
Paul Boyle (Connacht)
Kieran Brookes (Munster)
Will Connors (Connacht)
Eoin de Buitléar (Connacht)
Edwin Edogbo (Munster)
Sean Edogbo (Munster)
Brian Gleeson (Munster)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster)
Gus McCarthy (Leinster)(captain)
David McCann (Ulster)
Michael Milne (Munster)
Conor O’Tighearnaigh (Leinster)
Scott Penny (Leinster)
Alex Usanov (Leinster)
Backs (12):
Joey Carbery (Leinster)
Matthew Devine (Ulster)
Cathal Forde (Connacht)
Fintan Gunne (Leinster)
James Hume (Ulster)
Dan Kelly (Munster)
Shay McCarthy (Munster)
Ethan McIlroy (Ulster)
Jack Murphy (Ulster)
Daniel Ryan (Connacht)
Finn Treacy (Connacht)
Harry West (Connacht)