Ireland Squad Analysis: Six Nations 2026 Hints at Revival
Andy Farrell has unveiled his 37-man Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations 2026 championship, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal tournament. The squad, while familiar in many respects, carries significant talking points. Ireland, fresh off a successful campaign that secured the Triple Crown in 2025, will be eager to maintain momentum and challenge the favourites, France and England, in the 2026 edition.
Ulster's Resurgence Rewarded
The most notable theme emerging from this year's squad selection is the reward for Ulster's remarkable turnaround. Twelve months ago, Ulster's form had plummeted, leading to just three players being included in the 2025 Six Nations squad. Fast forward to 2026, and Richie Murphy's squad has found its rhythm. Having topped their Challenge Cup pool and currently sitting third in the United Rugby Championship, seven Ulster players have earned their place in Farrell's national side.
Key Ulster Inclusions
Among the Ulster contingent is scrum-half Nathan Doak, one of only two uncapped players named in the squad. Joining him in the backs are Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, and Jacob Stockdale. The forward pack sees Tom Stewart, Tom O'Toole, and Nick Timoney included, reflecting their consistent performances.
Missed Opportunities?
However, the inclusion of seven players doesn't tell the whole story. In-form wings Zac Ward and Cormac Izuchukwu, along with veteran stalwart Iain Henderson, missed out on a direct place. Former Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris acknowledged Ulster's resurgence but hinted at potential omissions. "It's been a pretty barren spell for Ulster players over the past couple of seasons," Ferris stated. "But with renewed energy, their performance has been unbelievable over the last three or four months... Looking at the squad, I thought there might have been one or two more faces..." Henderson, in particular, is set to train with the squad in Portugal before the tournament begins.
Nathan Doak: Proving the Critics Wrong
Perhaps the most compelling narrative within the squad is the call-up of Nathan Doak. The 25-year-old scrum-half had expressed his desire to represent Ireland at the highest level. Doak's selection comes after a stellar season where he played a pivotal role in Ulster's revival. He currently ranks second for the most kick metres in the URC this season (1,840m) and is the third-highest points scorer with 65 points.
A Huge Opportunity
Doak is likely to slot into the third scrum-half spot behind established duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey. However, this presents a "huge opportunity" for the young player, according to Ferris. His selection over experienced contenders like Luke McGrath (Leinster) and Caolin Blade (Connacht) underscores the impact of his form. Ferris praised Doak's transformation: "Last season he had his critics... In fairness to Nathan Doak, he has proven a lot of people wrong, hasn't he? His performances have been exceptional and he's rightly been rewarded with a call-up. That's only going to excel his game even more."
Testing Strength in Depth
Farrell's selection also highlights the strength and depth within the Ireland setup, particularly given the number of key players missing through injury. Absences include Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen, Ryan Baird, Robbie Henshaw, and Paddy McCarthy. This has opened doors for players like Michael Milne, Jack Boyle, and Jeremy Loughman in the front row.
Returnees and Injury Concerns
Several players who have recently returned from injury are included, adding another layer of intrigue. Hugo Keenan, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne, Tadhg Furlong, and Finlay Bealham will all be short of match fitness. This situation will test their preparedness and resilience as they aim to slot back into the team dynamic. The depth chart, particularly in the prop positions, demonstrates Farrell's ability to navigate adversity and rotate players effectively.
Looking Ahead to the Six Nations 2026
As Ireland prepares for the Six Nations 2026, the mix of experience, emerging talent, and depth presents a balanced squad. The inclusion of players like Doak and the reward for Ulster's form inject fresh energy, while the management of injuries and the selection of returnees remain critical factors. Farrell's side will aim to build on last year's success, using this campaign to potentially lay the groundwork for future challenges, including the Rugby World Cup. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining which players seize their opportunities and how the squad evolves under pressure.
The Six Nations 2026 promises to be a fierce contest, and Ireland, with its renewed squad dynamics, will be keen to assert its presence among the elite nations once again.
