Sport: Rugby Country: Australia Category: General

Key Ireland players sidelined for Nations Championship matches

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 5:38 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Key Ireland players sidelined for Nations Championship matches

Summary

Ireland is set to compete in the Nations Championship next month against Australia and New Zealand without key players, including Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter, and Mack Hansen. The IRFU has confirmed that a total of ten players are ruled out due to various injuries, complicating the squad selection for head coach Andy Farrell. Uncapped players Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen have been called up to join the 36-player squad, with Caelan Doris appointed as captain. Ireland last played in the Six Nations, finishing second behind France and winning a Triple Crown. They will begin their new campaign on July 4 against Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Source Links

Sky Sports

Status Watch

•Ireland lacks ten players for Nations Championship due to injuries.
•Crowley, Porter, and Hansen among the notable absentees.
•Uncapped trio Bohan, Illo, and Jansen included in the squad.
•Ireland will start against Australia on July 4 in Sydney.
•Farrell extends his contract until the 2031 World Cup.

What they're saying

"
Ireland will face Nations Championship Tests away to Australia and New Zealand next month without a number of key players, including Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter and Mack Hansen.
— Sky Sports

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