Ireland Name 36-Man Squad With 3 Returns for Springbok Test on 21 November
- Ireland coach Andy Farrell named a 36-man squad for next month's Nations Championship Tests, including a clash against South Africa
- Winger Mack Hansen returned to the group after nearly a year out, alongside Ryan Baird and Andrew Porter, who all missed time through injury
- Uncapped Ulster forward James McNabney earned a first call-up as Ireland look to build on two wins from three Nations Championship matches
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IRELAND — Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a 36-man squad for the November Tests, with the Springboks among the opponents when the two sides meet at the Aviva Stadium on 21 November 2026.
Farrell confirmed the group on Wednesday, welcoming back winger Mack Hansen, utility forward Ryan Baird and loosehead prop Andrew Porter. All three last featured for Ireland in the Nations Championship clash against South Africa in Dublin in November 2025.
Ireland's Injury Returnees
Ireland’s November squad brings back several established internationals, but Andy Farrell must also manage a significant injury list ahead of the Springboks Test in Dublin on 21 November.
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Mack Hansen is back in contention after missing almost a year of Test rugby following foot surgery. The Connacht winger has returned to club action, giving Ireland another experienced option in the backline.
Ryan Baird and Andrew Porter also return after injury setbacks. Baird has recovered from a leg fracture, while Porter is available again after dealing with a calf problem.
There is also an opportunity for fresh talent. Ulster back-rower James McNabney has earned his first senior Ireland call-up after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him throughout the 2025/26 season. Ulster fly-half Jamie Benson has also been selected for his first Ireland squad.
Meanwhile, Jamison Gibson-Park has been included despite not yet playing for Leinster this season because of a groin injury. His selection gives Farrell an experienced scrum-half option, although his match readiness remains a consideration.
Ireland will be without captain Caelan Doris, who is recovering from knee and foot injuries. Jack Conan, Jack Crowley and several other players are also unavailable through injury.
No. 2 Dan Sheehan will captain the team during the November internationals. Ireland begin their home campaign against Argentina on 6 November, meet Fiji on 14 November and then host the Springboks on 21 November at the Aviva Stadium.
The returnees strengthen Farrell’s selection options, but Ireland will need to balance their experience with the absence of several regular starters.
Ireland's Nations Championship Fixtures
Ireland face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa at home in Dublin before a Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham. Farrell's side have won two of their three matches in the competition so far, recording victories over Australia and Japan. They suffered a 40-21 defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park in their most recent outing.
The full squad named by Farrell is as follows:
Forwards: Ryan Baird, Tadhg Beirne, Billy Bohan, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Furlong, Sam Illo, Sean Jansen, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, James McNabney, Darragh Murray, Tom O'Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan (c), Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.
Backs: Bundee Aki, Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Benson, Craig Casey, Nathan Doak, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Stuart McCloskey, Jimmy O'Brien, Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale.
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Source: Briefly News
