Ulster pair Jamie Benson and James McNabney have earned maiden Ireland call-ups after being named in Andy Farrell’s squad for next month’s Nations Championship fixtures.

Benson, a former England Under-20 international, joined Ulster from Harlequins during the off-season and qualifies for Ireland through his Belfast-born mother.

The 24-year-old has been used primarily at centre since arriving in Belfast, although his ability to cover fly-half gives Farrell another versatile option in a squad hit hard by injuries.

McNabney, 23, completes the uncapped Ulster contingent. The back row has previously been involved in Ireland training squads and returned to action over the summer following a year out with an ACL injury.

placeholder image — Jamie Benson joined Ulster from Harlequins during the off-season. (Photo by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

There are also recalls for prop Andrew Porter, forward Ryan Baird and wings Mack Hansen and Tommy O’Brien, who all missed Ireland’s summer matches.

Farrell has been forced to contend with a significant injury list, with regular captain Caelan Doris among the high-profile absentees.

Fly-half Jack Crowley is also unavailable, while Jack Boyle, Harry Byrne, Jack Conan, Iain Henderson, Paddy McCarthy, Calvin Nash and Bryn Ward are missing from the panel.

In Doris’ absence, Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the November programme.

Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has retained his place in the squad despite not featuring for Leinster so far this season.

However, Ulster duo Zac Ward and Cormac Izuchukwu have missed out on selection, along with Munster prop Jeremy Loughman.

Ireland open their November schedule against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, November 6, before Fiji visit Dublin on November 14.

Farrell’s side then host world champions South Africa on November 21, with the competition’s finals weekend taking place at the Allianz Stadium in London the following week.

Ireland began their Nations Championship campaign with wins over Australia and Japan, but their summer ended with defeat to New Zealand in the third Test.

Ireland squad

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 (captain), Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Rob 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.