Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made a statement call, for this weekend’s Nations Championship second round clash against Japan in Newcastle, Australia.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Sean Jansen has been named to start at number eight this Saturday, with the New Zealand born back row becoming the latest Kiwi-born talent to represent Ireland, following the likes of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and provincial teammate Bundee Aki to the green jersey. The Connacht man comes into the back row as one of nine changes to the Ireland team that defeated Australia 33-31 last Saturday in Sydney.
Jansen is one of four uncapped players that are set to make their debut against the Brave Blossoms, with his Connacht teammates Billy Bohan and Sam Illo holding down the replacement prop ranks, as Ulster back-row young gun Bryn Ward is also on the bench. So, before Jansen makes his Ireland call and dons the fabled green jersey, here are 10 facts about the Connacht back row.
1. Born in Dunedin, on New Zealand‘s South Island
Sean Jansen was born in Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s great rugby cities and the home of the Highlanders and Otago rugby. Growing up in the country’s rugby heartland, he developed in an environment where the sport is part of everyday life. Like many Kiwi forwards, Jansen built his game around physicality, skill and work rate from an early age. Although his international future would eventually lie with Ireland, his rugby foundations were firmly established in New Zealand.
2. He starred for North Otago before turning professional overseas
Before heading abroad, Jansen made his name with North Otago in New Zealand’s provincial system. He was a key figure during the 2021 campaign, helping the side reach the Lochore Cup final and showcasing the qualities that would later earn professional opportunities overseas. His performances highlighted his powerful ball carrying and relentless work ethic, catching the attention of clubs beyond New Zealand as he searched for the next step in his rugby career.
3. Leicester Tigers gave him his first Northern Hemisphere opportunity
Jansen moved to the Northern Hemisphere in 2022 after signing for Premiership giants Leicester Tigers. The switch represented a major step in his career as he tested himself in one of Europe’s toughest domestic competitions. Joining a squad packed with international stars was never going to guarantee immediate opportunities, but the move exposed him to an elite professional environment and accelerated his development as he adapted to the demands of Northern Hemisphere rugby.
4. His Leicester Tigers spell laid the foundations
Although his Leicester Tigers career lasted just one and half seasons, it proved an important stage in Jansen’s development. First-team opportunities were limited because of the strength and depth of the Tigers squad, but he gained invaluable experience with his debut against Newcastle Falcons in the PREM Rugby Cup, before making his league debut against Harlequins.
Jansen made five starts upon 11 appearances for the Tigers in the 2022/23 season, in which he bagged five tries in all competitions. Jansen used the season to improve his game before seeking regular rugby elsewhere. That decision ultimately paved the way for the biggest breakthrough of his professional career.
5. Connacht move opened the Ireland door
Jansen joined Connacht ahead of the 2023/24 season, a move that transformed both his club and international prospects. Eligible to represent Ireland through his grandparents, who were born in Monasterevin and Belfast, he already held an Irish passport before arriving in Galway. As he established himself with Connacht, the possibility of international rugby became increasingly realistic. Two years later, that dream has become reality with his first Ireland call-up for the Nations Championship.
6. He quickly became one of Connacht’s most important forwards
It did not take long for Jansen to establish himself at Connacht. His physical carrying, high tackle count and ability to play across the back row quickly made him one of Pete Wilkins’ most trusted players, with his efforts progressing into the Stuart Lancaster era. Supporters embraced his wholehearted style of play, while coaches valued his consistency every week. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Jansen developed into one of the province’s most reliable performers and an increasingly obvious Ireland contender.
7. Player of the Season after a superb 2025/26 campaign
The 2025/26 URC season proved to be Jansen’s finest yet. Producing consistently outstanding performances throughout the campaign, he became one of Connacht’s standout players on both sides of the ball. His efforts were recognised when he was voted Connacht Player of the Season, a fitting reward for his influence across the entire campaign. The award capped a remarkable year and strengthened his credentials for Ireland selection heading into the inaugural Nations Championship.
8. Why Ireland believe he is ready
Jansen’s rise has been built on consistency rather than spectacular moments. His powerful ball carrying, defensive work rate, versatility across the back row and relentless competitiveness have earned widespread respect throughout Irish rugby. Coaches know exactly what they will get from him every week, while teammates appreciate his willingness to do the hard work that often goes unnoticed. Those qualities have convinced Ireland’s coaching staff that he is ready to make the step up to Test rugby.
9. A possible dream return against New Zealand at Eden Park
If Jansen impresses against Japan, he could find himself returning to New Zealand with Ireland to face the All Blacks just one week after making his Test debut. It would represent a remarkable full-circle moment for the Dunedin-born forward, who grew up dreaming of elite rugby in his homeland. Instead of wearing black, he could run out in green against the country where his rugby journey first began, with nothing less than the iconic Eden Park streak on the line to close out the Nations Championship. A fitting reward for an unconventional career path.
10. Returning home as an Ireland international
Saturday’s debut means Jansen will return to Connacht as a fully-fledged Ireland international, further strengthening the province’s growing influence within the national squad. He will be joined by fellow Connacht players Sam Illo and Billy Bohan, who are also set to make their Ireland debuts against Japan, with both props named on the bench against the Brave Blossoms. Their selections underline the impressive work being done in Galway and highlight Connacht’s increasing role in developing players capable of stepping onto the international stage, as the province fought tooth and nail to break into the top eight this past URC season.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
- Ireland team to face Japan – Four uncapped players to debut
- Conrad Smith: 10 Facts about All Blacks legend as former centre lands New Zealand coaching role
- Ireland complete the capture of former England international forward
- Transfer News: All Blacks legend joins coaching team
- Kennedy Tukuafu Injury: 5 Possible Captains as Black Ferns star ruled out for 6 Months
