Six players who stuck their hands up for an Ireland Six Nations call up

It was a successful weekend for Leinster, Munster and Ulster in the Champions Cup with wins over Montpellier, Castres, and Northampton Saints while Connacht suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Leicester Tigers.

The weekend’s action would have pleased Ireland head coach Andy Farrell ahead of the 2022 Six Nations, all four teams impressing with several standout performances. 

There are injury concerns for the Ireland boss with Tadhg Furlong leaving the pitch early in Ireland’s demolition job of Montpellier. Still, it was an otherwise good weekend for the Ireland boss.

It is unlikely that Farrell will make too many changes to his squad following a successful Autumn Nations Series, but we take a look at five players who stuck their hand up for selection with their performances this weekend.

James Hume - Northampton Saints v Ulster Rugby

The Ulster centre has been in excellent form for his Province recently, and that continued against Northampton Saints on Sunday.

Hume made his test debut against the USA last July, and while he has been in the Ireland squad since then, he is yet to add to his single cap.

The Irish midfield is congested with Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, and Bundee Aki, but Hume is pressing his claim.

Hume produced a sound defensive performance against Saints and showed off his footwork beating four defenders. He completed two offloads and made over 50 running metres too.

Jack Carty - Connacht v Leicester Tigers

Connacht captain Jack Carty earned 10 test caps for Ireland in 2019, the last of those coming against Russia during the Rugby World Cup.

His form this season has many pundits and fans alike calling for his inclusion in the test set-up. 

Carty’s performance against Leicester Tigers this weekend earned the praise of the opposing head coach Steve Borthwick.

“They are an incredibly smart team, and I’m always reticent to pick out individuals but Jack Carty, he was incredible.” - Steve Borthwick said.

The pivot kicked well out of hand against the Premiership club and scored 8 points from the tee. His playmaking was of the highest order, with him and Marmion linking up superbly.

Farrell does have options at flyhalf with Jonathan Sexton leading the side, making it difficult for Carty to crack a nod, especially with Harry Byrne viewed as the future of the position with his brother Ross also in the mix.

Gavin Coombes - Castres v Munster

Last July, Coombes made his test debut, coming off the bench against Japan and scoring on his first start against the USA.

The Munster back-rower was brutally effective, with the ball in hand gaining over 40 running metres in a tight affair. 

He mixed up his approach well, completing nine passes in a performance that will impress Farrell as he continues to round out his game.

There is no lack of quality in the Ireland back-row stocks, especially with the recent form of the Leinster trio of Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris. Still, Coombes is forcing his way into the conversation.

Michael Lowry - Northampton Saints v Ulster

In round three of the Champions Cup, the Ulster fullback gained more running metres (190) than any other player.

At Welford Road, the uncapped 23-year-old was in great form, scoring two tries in the 20-24 victory over Northampton Saints.

Hugo Keenan has been a mainstay at fullback for Andy Farrell since he took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Lowry has been key to Ulster’s success this season, and his performance against Northampton Saints was just a snapshot of what he is capable of.

While playing primary at fullback, Lowry has featured on the wing and fullback for Ulster in the past. With an eye to the Rugby World Cup next year, Lowry’s versatility could be a real asset to Ireland if he is given the opportunity to prove himself. 

Robert Baloucoune - Northampton Saints v Ulster

After debuting against the USA last July, Baloucoune started Ireland’s final test of 2022 against Argentina.

The speedy 24-year-old was in fine form once again this weekend, scoring and assisting a try against Northampton. 

He gained over 80 running metres and was a real threat each time he touched the ball. 

James Lowe and Andrew Conway shone for Ireland in the tests against Japan and New Zealand, but Baloucoune is making waves and forcing his way into the selection debate.

Dan Sheehan - Leinster v Montpellier 

It was difficult to pick out too many top performers from Leinster’s performance against a poor Montpellier side, but Dan Sheehan produced an excellent cameo as Leinster ruthlessly put the game to bed.

Sheehan scored two tries in his 30 minutes, made all six of his tackles, made over 40 running metres and beat two defenders in an outing that will further his stronghold on the reserve hooker role at least. 

Ireland's Six Nations Fixtures:

Ireland v Wales @ Aviva Stadium - 5 February 

France v Ireland @ Stade de France - 12 February 

Ireland v Italy @ Aviva Stadium - 27 February

England v Ireland @ Twickenham Stadium - 12 March

Ireland v Scotland @ Aviva Stadium - 19 March