No place for Ulster captain Iain Henderson in Ireland's Six Nations squad as uncapped Nathan Doak makes cut
Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been left out of the Ireland squad for the Six Nations with uncapped Nathan Doak among seven of the province’s representatives included in the 37-strong group.
Scrum-half Doak and Munster second row Edwin Edogbo are the only uncapped players in Andy Farrell’s squad, who are led by number eight Caelan Doris.
Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu is in the treatment room while wing Mack Hansen is out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Ireland have been been beset by injury with Andrew Porter and Robbie Henshaw missing the start of the competition because of respective calf and knee issues. Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Ryan Baird, Shayne Bolton, Jordan Larmour and Paddy McCarthy are also unavailable.
Ulster’s Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Robert Baloucoune, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale were selected by Farrell.
Leinster’s Harry Byrne will compete with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley for Ireland’s fly-half duties.
Byrne comes into contention for the opener against France in Paris on February 5 alongside his rival playmakers, as well as utility back Ciaran Frawley.
The 26-year-old won the last of his four caps in 2024 but has been in impressive form for Leinster since the autumn and is set to challenge the established order in the number 10 jersey.
Hugo Keenan is present despite not having played this season because of hip surgery that was completed after the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
“I’m getting there,” Keenan said. “I feel I’ve turned the corner in the last couple of weeks.
“I’ve been back out training fully with Leinster the last week or two, so starting to come good.”
Ireland lost their Six Nations crown to France last year and face a tough 2026 campaign with away trips to Paris and London.
“I believe we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks,” Farrell said.
“The squad has evolved over the last 18 months with 12 players making their international debuts over the last year alone and I know how keen this group is to make its mark for Ireland.
“Led once more by Caelan, we know that we have to hit the ground running and we’re looking forward to regrouping on Sunday and meeting the challenges ahead in a positive frame of mind.
“The Six Nations is an incredible tournament which brings out the best in players and I have no doubt that these fixtures will be keenly contested once more.
“The competition levels across all of the opposing teams has never been higher and we have an exciting challenge first up away to France in Paris to kick things off. It will be a huge test as always.”
Ireland squad:
Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain), Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Michael Milne (Munster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Robert Baloucoune (Ulster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Tom Farrell (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).