Who are the 5 Uncapped Players in the Ireland squad for the Nations Championship?

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell initially named three uncapped players in his travelling group, yet two additional arrivals have since made their way to the land down under. After a Connacht trio of uncapped talents made their way into the group, Farrell had to make a couple of last-ditch changes, following the injuries to Tommy O'Brien and captain Caelan Doris in the URC Final.

With the Leinster pair out of the fold for the Nations Championship, Farrell has reinforced his squad with a pair of brothers from Ulster, ahead of the three matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand. The incoming Summer is a stacked one for the men from the Emerald Isle, who are steadily getting acquainted with their new surroundings in Sydney. Here's a run-down on the five uncapped hopefuls that will all be pushing to make their senior debuts throughout July.

Billy Bohan's rise has been remarkably swift. The 20-year-old loosehead was parachuted into Ireland's Six Nations squad earlier this year and has now retained Andy Farrell's confidence for the inaugural Nations Championship following another impressive campaign with Connacht.

Grandson of former Ireland international Mick Doyle, Bohan has earned praise for his scrummaging maturity and calm temperament beyond his years. With experienced props Andrew Porter and Jack Boyle sidelined through injury, he offers genuine loosehead cover behind Jeremy Loughman. While a Test debut against Australia may come too soon, fixtures against Japan or New Zealand could present the ideal opportunity to blood one of Irish rugby's brightest front-row prospects.

Sam Illo has forced his way into Ireland contention through a series of powerful displays for Connacht, earning his maiden senior call-up after previously impressing for Emerging Ireland. Comfortable on either side of the scrum, Illo's versatility is a valuable asset in a squad missing several experienced front-row options through injury.

Farrell has consistently rewarded players capable of covering multiple positions, making Illo an ideal touring selection. A debut during the Nations Championship feels realistic, particularly if Ireland rotate against Japan, where the coaching staff could hand the Connacht prop his first senior cap while managing workloads across a demanding three-Test tour.

Sean Jansen's inclusion is one of the tour's most intriguing selections. The New Zealand-born back-rower has become a standout performer for Connacht, bringing relentless work-rate, abrasive carrying and breakdown intensity that perfectly suits Ireland's forward blueprint. Having already represented Ireland 'A', this call-up feels like the natural next step, particularly with injuries depleting Farrell's back-row resources.

Capable of covering both flanker and number eight, Jeansen provides valuable depth behind established internationals. A first cap appears highly likely during the Nations Championship, especially if Ireland opt to rotate their pack across fixtures against Japan and New Zealand.

Initially overlooked for the travelling squad, Zac Ward received his opportunity after Tommy O'Brien's groin injury created a late vacancy. The prolific Ulster winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, finishing among the province's leading try scorers after transitioning from sevens rugby to the 15-man game.

Ward provides Ireland with genuine pace and finishing ability out wide, but competition remains fierce alongside Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune. His late arrival means a debut is less certain than some of the other newcomers, though his try-scoring instincts make him an attractive option if Farrell chooses to rotate heavily during the tournament.

Like his brother Zac, Bryn Ward joined the squad as late injury cover following Caelan Doris' withdrawal. The 21-year-old back-rower has enjoyed a rapid ascent, progressing from Ireland Under-20s to Ireland 'A' before establishing himself with Ulster. Son of former Ireland international Andy Ward, he offers versatility across the back row and has already impressed within the national set-up during the Six Nations training camps.

With Ireland managing several injured loose forwards, Ward's physicality and mobility make him an excellent development option. A debut is certainly possible, although he is likely to begin the tour providing valuable depth behind the more established internationals.