Ireland World Cup Squad Finalized: Toner, Marmion Left Out
Ireland World Cup Squad Finalized: Toner, Marmion Left Out
Devin Toner, Kieran Marmion among surprise omissions as Joe Schmidt names Ireland RWC squad.
Joe Schmidt has named the 31 players he'll be taking with him to Japan for the World Cup.
In a surprise move, the Kiwi head coach has elected to leave behind 66-cap lock Devin Toner, as well as Connacht scrumhalf Kieran Marmion, who performed well Saturday against Wales.
Following his man-of-the match outing this weekend, Connacht flyhalf Jack Carty takes the third spot in the pecking order for Japan, beating out Ross Byrne.
Injured playmaker Joey Carberry is named in the team, which offers hope to Irish fans that the Munster out-half could be fit for the World Cup.
The team is largely comprised of players from European giants Leinster and Munster. 14 Leinster men, 12 Munster, three Ulster, and two Connacht representatives will form the team for Japan.
118-cap Rory Best will captain the side, but the hooker will have Sean Cronin and Niall Scannell nipping at his heels to take the starting spot in the team.
Schmidt will bring a split of 17 forwards and 14 backs for Rugby World Cup 2019.
Ireland RWC 2019 Squad
Prop: Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, John Ryan
Hooker: Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Niall Scannell
Lock: Tadgh Beirne, Iain Henderson, Jean Kleyn, James Ryan
Loose Forward: Jack Conan, Peter O'Mahony, Rhys Ruddock, CJ Stander, Josh Van der Flier
Scrumhalf: Luke McGrath, Conor Murray
Flyhalf: Joey Carberry, Jack Carty, Johnny Sexton
Center: Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose
Back Three: Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale