Five uncapped Ireland players to include in November Interationals

Five uncapped Ireland players to include in November Interationals

Will Addison - Ulster Rugby

The former Sale Sharks leader has already been included in Joe Schmidt's Ireland plans, joining the squad in Sydney over the summer and most recently in Carton House before the start of the Guinness Pro14 season.

Comfortable in a number of positions in the backline, his versatility is a huge asset for any side and he recently scored in his first try for Ulster, putting in two very exciting performances in the process.

Addison has started the opening two games for Ulster at full-back and it is understood Joe Schmidt played a huge role in bringing the 25-year-old to the Kingspan Stadium. 

Denis Buckley - Connacht Rugby


The former Blackrock College student has been an outstanding performer for Connacht for the past number of seasons.

Having turned down a move to the Premiership last summer, it is clear to see that the loosehead prop has a burning ambition to play international rugby and received a close taste of the action in May, playing 50 minutes for the famous side in a memorable win against England at Twickenham.


The 28-year-old has been on the cusp of a call-up for over 18 months now having been on a standby list for Ireland’s tour of the US and Japan in 2017.

Buckley is impressive with ball in hand, lethal at the breakdown and superb at scrum time. 

Mike Haley - Munster Rugby

The Southern province have the IRFU's IQ Rugby branch to thank for helping them acquire a capable replacement for Simon Zebo, who departed Munster for Racing 92 in the French top-tier.

Haley, a former Sale Sharks utility-back, has played for England Saxons twice but remains Irish-qualified and is very on Joe Schmidt's radar as he looks to continue to grow depth in his back three for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The 24-year-old started all three of Munster's opening Pro14 games in the 15 shirt and was part of the extended Ireland squad that assembled in Carton House in August. 

It is clear to see from his performances in the red shirt that he has the potential to become a Test level player, possessing a strong aerial ability and a devastating turn of pace.

Caelan Doris - Leinster Rugby 

The Ballina native enhanced his growing reputation since schoolboy level after an outstanding U20 World Cup campaign, where he captained the side during the tournament and led the Irish tackle and offloading charts.

With just one senior appearance to his name, the Leinster No. 8 received a senior contract for the 2018/19 season and made his first start for Leinster in the season opener away to Cardiff Blues.

The Leinster back row options are full of Ireland internationals and it may seem opportunistic to be calling for his inclusion into the Test ranks but Jordan Larmour showed how one can shine when given a taste.

Gavin Thornbury - Connacht Rugby

From Leinster to Connacht via Whanganui in New Zealand's Heartland Championship, Thornbury has certainly taken the road less travelled during his professional rugby career.

The former Blackrock College student relocated to Galway in a bid to kickstart his chances in the Northern Hemisphere, joining the Western province for the 2017/18 season.

He has already worn the Irish jersey on six occasions at U20 level and was involved in Joe Schmidt's extended squad that gathered at Carton House last month.

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