Schmidt set to mix things up for summer Tests

Joe Schmidt is today set to unveil his Ireland squad for next month’s Tests in the United States and Japan.

With 11 frontline players due to be absent on the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer, the players the Irish head coach names for the national team’s tour will be given the opportunity to lay down long-term markers for a return visit to Japan at the 2019 World Cup.

Schmidt’s squad, set to be captained by regular vice-captain Jamie Heaslip, looks set to be a mix of senior players smarting at their omission from Warren Gatland’s touring party to take on the might of the world champion All Blacks in June and July, fringe players eager to build on their international involvements over the past 12 months and perhaps one or two newcomers desperate to get their Test careers under way.