Uncapped Trio Called Up to Ireland Squad, Crowley Ruled Out Due to Injury

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a 36-man squad for the Nations Championship matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July, with three uncapped Connacht players – Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen – earning their first call-ups. However, fly-half Jack Crowley, who had re-established himself as Farrell's first-choice out-half during the Six Nations, has been ruled out after Munster boss Clayton McMillan revealed he was diagnosed with a blood vessel issue. The 26-year-old's absence means Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley will vie for the starting fly-half spot. Leinster props Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy are unavailable due to injury, while James Lowe is omitted after announcing his departure from Irish rugby last week. Caelan Doris will continue as captain, leading the squad on their trip to Sydney on Monday. Farrell, who recently signed a contract extension until 2031, emphasized the importance of building on the Six Nations campaign, which yielded a fourth Triple Crown in five years. "We have three tough Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand, and it's important that we hit the ground running in this new tournament," said Farrell. "The experience of playing down under will be priceless for us, and even though we'll be playing in front of largely partisan home crowds, we are also excited about playing in front of a huge Irish support." Farrell had already been planning without some key names, including Connacht wing Mack Hansen, who has been sidelined since December with a foot injury. Porter's bad luck continues after missing the Six Nations, while Ryan Baird is another experienced player missing through injury. But Crowley's unavailability is a significant blow after his impressive performances against England, Wales and Scotland in the Six Nations. Prendergast, who started the first two Six Nations matches, will face stiff competition from Leinster team-mate Byrne, who was Leinster's first-choice fly-half during the run to the Investec Champions Cup final. However, Prendergast has been preferred in the URC play-offs and will start Friday's final against the Bulls. Frawley, who starred in Ireland's summer tour to South Africa in 2024, will also be keen for an opportunity at fly-half. Given his shortage of loose-head prop options, Farrell has opted for another look at Bohan, who was an unused member of this year's Six Nations squad. The 20-year-old has become a regular starter under Stuart Lancaster at Connacht since his debut in December, but Farrell also has Jeremy Loughman and Tom O'Toole as more experienced options. With Illo adding to the tight-head ranks, Farrell will get a closer look at two fresh front-row options just over a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Jansen is also rewarded for an impressive string of performances in an improving Connacht side that ended the season strongly to secure Champions Cup qualification. Having scored 10 URC tries this season, the New Zealand-born number eight has the tools to stand out in a crowded field that includes captain Doris and six-Test British and Irish Lion Jack Conan.