Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time when Paul O’Connell’s side face Georgia and Portugal in July, with 11 uncapped players named in a 32-man squad for the summer tour.

• Craig Casey becomes Ireland’s 112th captain since 1875
• 11 uncapped players included in touring party
• 15 established internationals away with British & Irish Lions
• First-ever senior international against Portugal on 12 July
• Sixth meeting with Georgia, ranked 11th in the world
• Training camp begins 23 June before departure to Tbilisi on 2 July

The Munster scrum-half, who has 18 caps, leads a youthful squad with interim head coach O’Connell taking charge while Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby are with the British & Irish Lions in Australia. The absence of 15 frontline players has created unprecedented opportunities for emerging talent.

Our Summer Tour squad captained by Craig Casey! 🟢#TeamOfUs

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 4, 2025

Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O’Brien have previous experience in the senior setup but remain uncapped. Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin receive their first senior call-ups after impressing at provincial level and with Emerging Ireland during their South Africa tour in September.

Ulster contribute seven players across the squad and training panel, highlighting the province’s strong production line. The uncapped Nathan Doak, a 22-year-old scrum-half regarded as one of Irish rugby’s brightest prospects, headlines the Ulster contingent alongside established internationals Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale and veteran centre Stuart McCloskey.

At fly-half, Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast, both omitted from Lions selection despite strong Six Nations campaigns, are expected to compete for the starting position. Crowley’s 24 caps give him experience, while Prendergast’s emergence as a genuine international talent makes their battle particularly intriguing.

Finlay Bealham, with 51 caps, is the squad’s most experienced player, emphasising the youthful nature of the touring party. At 32, McCloskey is one of only two players over 30 in the squad, alongside Bealham.

Several notable absences tell their own story. Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered after returning from long-term injuries, with O’Connell prioritising their full pre-season programmes. Robbie Henshaw is unavailable due to injury, further opening doors for younger players.

“I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July,” said O’Connell. “With 15 players away with The British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team.”

Georgia, ranked 11th in the world under experienced coach Richard Cockerill, will provide Ireland’s sixth meeting with the Lelos. The former Leicester and England forwards coach has built on Georgia’s traditional forward strength while developing an increasingly dangerous backline, making them formidable opposition for O’Connell’s experimental side.

Portugal, ranked 18th globally, will face Ireland for the first time at senior level in what promises to be a historic encounter. The Portuguese impressed during the 2023 World Cup with their attacking flair under coach Simon Mannix, whom O’Connell knows from their time together at Munster.

“Georgia have made great strides in recent years and have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby,” O’Connell noted.
“Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a coach I know having worked with him previously. They play with confidence and we’re expecting another tough test.”

Casey’s appointment as captain marks a significant moment for the 26-year-old, who has established himself as a reliable international performer. O’Connell described him as “a real leader with a strong personality” and emphasised that captaincy represents “a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish.”

The tour represents a crucial opportunity for squad development ahead of the 2027 World Cup. For players like Crowley and Prendergast, strong performances could establish them as genuine alternatives to Lions selections. For the uncapped contingent, impressive displays could fast-track them into autumn international squads.

Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward have been included as training panellists, suggesting O’Connell’s planning extends beyond these two fixtures. All three have impressed at provincial level and their involvement hints at longer-term development strategies.

“A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it’s important that everyone grasps the challenge that’s ahead of them,” O’Connell emphasised. “Every moment on the training field and across the two-match series will count and there’s a great opportunity for players to step up and impress.”

The squad departs for Tbilisi on 2 July, with the match day squad for the Georgia test announced on 3 July. Both fixtures will test Ireland’s emerging talent in unfamiliar environments, potentially shaping the landscape of Irish rugby for years to come.

Ireland Men’s Squad – Summer Tour 2025
Player/Club/Province/Caps

Forwards (18):

Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster)*
Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(27)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster)(2)
Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)(6)
Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster)(2)
Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(2)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(1)
Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster)*
Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(4)
Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
Michael Milne (UCD/Munster)*
Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(16)
Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(4)
Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley/Leinster)*
Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(2)
Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster)(3)

Backs (14):

Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*
Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(captain)(18)
Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(24)
Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster)*
Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(8)
Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(19)
Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht)*
Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(10)
Jimmy O’Brien (Naas/Leinster)(8)
Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)*
Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(7)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(8)
Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(38)

Training Panellists:

James McNabney (City of Armagh/Ulster)*
Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh/Ulster)*
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*

Connacht Rugby have confirmed the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as head coach on a two-year contract. The 55-year-old former England boss replaces Pete Wilkins, who stepped down in April following the province’s Challenge Cup exit.

• Stuart Lancaster appointed Connacht head coach on two-year contract
• Former England and Leinster coach replaces Pete Wilkins who resigned in April
• Lancaster left Racing 92 in February after 18-month tenure
• New coaching team includes Rod Seib (attack) and Billy Millard (GM Performance)
• Appointment coincides with Connacht’s move to new High-Performance Centre

Lancaster was most recently head coach of Racing 92 but was dismissed in February after 18 months in charge. The French club struggled domestically and failed to reach the Champions Cup knockout stages under his leadership, finishing second from bottom in their pool.

Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club's new Head Coach.

Welcome to Connacht, Stuart! 💚https://t.co/bZRssBAh8S pic.twitter.com/vIo1jtevty

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) June 3, 2025

The Cumbrian enjoyed considerable success during seven years as senior coach at Leinster between 2016 and 2023, working under Leo Cullen. He helped guide the province to four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including victory in 2018. Before joining Leinster, Lancaster spent four years as England head coach from 2012 to 2015, leading the team to four consecutive Six Nations runner-up finishes before departing after England became the first host nation to exit a World Cup before the knockout stages.

Lancaster had been interviewed for the Australia head coach position but lost out to Les Kiss. His appointment at Connacht represents a swift return to frontline coaching and will see him take responsibility for defensive systems alongside his head coach duties.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland,” Lancaster said. “Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field.”

The appointment forms part of a comprehensive coaching restructure at the Galway-based province. Rod Seib has been appointed as attack coach, whilst Billy Millard joins as General Manager of Performance. They will work alongside existing coaches Colm Tucker (scrum and contact) and John Muldoon (lineout and maul). Lancaster replaces Scott Fardy in the defensive coaching role after the former Australia international departed at season’s end.

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane described the appointment as a significant coup. “Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and we are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre,” he said. “He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and delivering success.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and delivering high-performing teams. This appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.”

Connacht endured a difficult 2024-25 season, finishing 13th in the 16-team United Rugby Championship to miss out on play-off qualification and Champions Cup rugby for next season. The province’s inconsistent form ultimately cost Wilkins his position despite showing promise in previous campaigns.

Lancaster will begin his role in July ahead of pre-season training and will be formally presented to supporters next month. The appointment coincides with Connacht’s recent move to their new High-Performance Centre and the upcoming completion of Dexcom Stadium redevelopment, as the club prepares to celebrate its 140th anniversary in December.

In the most significant coaching appointment in All-Ireland League history, Terenure College RFC have secured the services of legendary former New Zealand fly-half Carlos Spencer on a three-year deal beginning this August.

The Dublin club’s stunning capture of the 49-year-old former All Black represents a seismic shift in the landscape of Irish domestic rugby, with Spencer commanding a CV that few coaches in the professional game can match. Having scored 383 test points across 44 appearances for New Zealand between 1995 and 2004, Spencer brings an unparalleled playing pedigree to Division 1A.

“Carlos was the outstanding candidate following our recruitment process,” confirmed Terenure chairman Paul Candon. “We believe this is an ambitious and exciting appointment for our club, the All-Ireland League and Irish rugby.”

Spencer’s arrival represents a significant coup for the 2023 All-Ireland League champions, particularly given his recent success guiding Auckland Blues’ women’s team to the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki title. The appointment underscores Terenure’s ambition to establish themselves as a dominant force in Irish domestic rugby following their championship triumph two years ago.

“Terenure is a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong sense of community,” Spencer said. “I feel very lucky and honoured to now be a part of that.”

The New Zealand maestro’s journey to Irish shores follows an illustrious playing career that saw him establish himself as one of international rugby’s most gifted playmakers. Central to Auckland Blues’ inaugural Super 12 triumph in 1996, Spencer’s mercurial talents later graced English rugby through stints with Northampton Saints and Gloucester, before he concluded his playing career with the Lions in South Africa.

As a coach, Spencer has accumulated extensive experience across multiple continents. Following his retirement in 2010, he served as an assistant with South African franchises the Lions and Sharks during their Super Rugby campaigns, before moving on to similar roles with Wellington Hurricanes and most recently Auckland Blues’ women’s side.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has already hailed the appointment as a “great statement of intent” by Terenure, reflecting the widespread recognition of Spencer’s calibre within the Irish rugby community.

The announcement also confirms the appointment of Paul Barr as the club’s performance director, working alongside long-serving director of rugby Ian ‘Moggy’ Morgan in what represents a comprehensive restructuring of Terenure’s rugby operations.

Spencer’s arrival could prove particularly significant for the development of emerging talents at Terenure, including highly-rated Austrian-born prospect Caspar Gabriel, who combines his club duties with a place on Leinster’s books.

The impact of Spencer’s appointment extends beyond Terenure’s immediate ambitions. His presence in the All-Ireland League is expected to elevate the profile of Irish domestic rugby, potentially attracting increased attention from both supporters and sponsors to the competition.

“We are confident that Carlos will bring with him an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and skill from his professional playing and coaching career,” Terenure’s statement continued. “We are looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Spencer’s coaching philosophy, evident in his work with Auckland Blues women, emphasises innovation and expansive play – traits that defined his playing career and could revolutionise Terenure’s approach to the game.

The appointment marks a significant departure from the traditional All-Ireland League coaching landscape, where former Irish provincial players typically dominate the top positions. Spencer’s international pedigree and southern hemisphere experience bring a fresh perspective that could influence tactical approaches across the league.

For Spencer, the move to Ireland represents an opportunity to test his coaching credentials in a new environment, building upon his success in Super Rugby’s women’s competition and his assistant roles at some of the southern hemisphere’s most successful franchises.

The timing of the announcement, coming during the current All-Ireland League season, allows Terenure ample time to prepare for Spencer’s arrival. The New Zealander will relocate to Dublin in August, providing a full pre-season to implement his vision and integrate with the squad.