IRELAND BOSS ANDY Farrell has named Peter O’Mahony as his new captain as he announced his squad for the upcoming 2024 Six Nations.
34-year-old O’Mahony takes over from the retired Johnny Sexton as skipper.
Farrell has not included any uncapped players in his official 34-man squad for the Six Nations, which kicks off with a trip to play France in Marseille on Friday 2 February.
However, Munster tighthead Oli Jager, lock/flanker Thomas Ahern, and 20-year-old Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast will travel with the squad for next week’s training camp in Portugal ahead of the Six Nations.
Leinster pair Harry Byrne and Ciarán Frawley are named as out-half options in the squad along with Munster’s Jack Crowley, who is expected to take over from Sexton at number 10.
36-year-old loosehead prop Cian Healy is recalled after missing the World Cup through injury, while Ulster hooker Tom Stewart comes in for injured team-mate Rob Herring.
Ulster man Nick Timoney has earned a call-up among the back row options, while Munster’s Calvin Nash, Leinster’s Jordan Larmour, and Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale come into the back three mix after missing out on World Cup selection.
World Cup squad members Mack Hansen, Rob Herring, Ross Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien, and Dave Kilcoyne were among those unavailable for selection due to injuries.
Ireland will gather at the IRFU’s training centre in Dublin on Monday and then travel to Portugal next Wednesday to continue their Six Nations prep.
Farrell hailed O’Mahony as “a born leader” and the Munster man outlined his pride at taking on the captaincy ahead of the Six Nations.
“Ever since I was a boy starting off in the game, I have always dreamed of captaining Ireland,” said O’Mahony.
“I have been asked to lead Ireland on a number of occasions previously, and each of those 10 matches were special days. To be now asked to captain Ireland ahead of the Six Nations is without doubt one of the proudest moments of my life and I would like to thank Andy Farrell for this show of faith in me.
“We have a strong core of leaders who will all play a key role in driving the highest standards for the team over the coming weeks. Competition is red hot across the squad and we’re all hugely motivated to work hard when we meet up next week ahead of the opening game in Marseille.”
Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations squad:
Loosehead props: Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Jeremy Loughman
Hookers: Dan Sheehan, Rónan Kelleher, Tom Stewart
Tighthead props: Tadhg Furlong, Finlay Bealham, Tom O’Toole
Locks: James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy
Back rows: Peter O’Mahony (captain), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney
Scrum-halves: Jamison Gibson-Park, Conor Murray, Craig Casey
Out-halves: Jack Crowley, Harry Byrne, Ciarán Frawley
Centres: Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey
Back threes: James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, Calvin Nash, Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale.
Training panellists: Oli Jager, Thomas Ahern, Sam Prendergast.
That’s a pretty misleading headline in fairness. You’ve taken him out of context there
I don’t think ‘These games are great for practicing’ is taking anything out of context.
It looks like a poor attempt to paint the bloke in a negative, unsporting light.
I’d have to disagree there. A small change turns an innocuous comment about the nature of the autumn series into a dig at Ireland, as if he considered the match as nothing more strenuous than a warm-up with a practice squad. Needless sensationalism, in my own humble opinion.
Yeah, bad headline
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
I agree it is misleading…looking to stir something up…
Totally agree. The headline says something totally different to what the article reports. Headline suggests they totally disrespected Ireland which couldn’t be further from the truth judging by his full comment.
Incorrect Patrick, there’s quite a bit of difference between the two statements and the headline suggests a personal lack of sportsmanship directed specifically at Ireland.
The Journal, sharp in it’s early incarnation, has become increasingly sloppy with headlines and content over the last while and is no longer first port of call here for news or sport.
Another misleading headline
He did not mention ireland at all.
my granny would walk through that irish defence
She must be quick
Your headline is f@#kin joke. Typical. This site is gone to hell!
Has thejournal got a new editor recently? The headlines lately are ridiculous.
I’m really starting to get annoyed with the sensational tabloid headlines
Headline completely out of context. Trying to justify it is even worse.
Cheers for the comments and feedback. We have changed the headline to reflect Hooper’s drive to win three Tests in a row, for the first time, with the green & golds.
Cowboy
This site is getting worse by the day. Sad effort of a headline in fairness. No need for it.
Lmao…He just telling the truth…
It’s common sense what he’s saying
The score/the Sun
The Score is quickly slipping into Tabloid territory, come on lads, clean it up!
He’s right In a way! You could practice anything you like against that irish team?