Kidney opts for four new names for November Series

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named four uncapped players for the 2012 Guinness Series games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Wed, 24 Oct, 2012 - 13:19

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named four uncapped players for the 2012 Guinness Series games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Ulster duo Luke Marshall, who is a centre, and forward Iain Henderson are in the panel while Munster prop David Kilcoyne and Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss, who is now eligible to play for Ireland based on his residency for the past three years, have also been included in the 31-man squad.

Marshall and Henderson were involved in the Ireland training camp in September.

There is no place for Ulster's Paddy Wallace, but his fellow player, Chris Henry has been included and he is many people’s choice to replace the injured Sean O’Brien at openside.

There may be some raised eyebrows at the fact that Tomas O'Leary has not been offered a chance given his blistering form with London Irish, while Ian Madigan, Paul Marshall and Dave McSharry may feel frustrated at not being called up.

Ireland have also announced that the current Munster Assistant Coach and former international Anthony Foley has joined the Ireland coaching team.

Foley will concentrate on the team's defence to allow Assistant Coach Les Kiss to lead the coaching reins on the attacking side of things as well as continue to coach the backline.

Foley will remain working with Munster outside of the international window.

It was also confirmed that Leinster scrum coach, Greg Feek will continue with the Ireland team during competition time.

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said: "We have three incredibly competitive games ahead of us in November and while there have been quite a few injuries and niggles in the early part of the season, it has opened up opportunities for other players to step into the squad.

"There are world ranking points on offer, so the underlying challenge for us is to work towards retaining and improving our ranking position ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool draw. While that is the end goal, our focus will be getting our preparations right to match the intensity of international games.

Kidney was pleased with the appointment of Anthony Foley.

He said: "His previous experience of working with the team during the last RBS 6 Nations championship was important, but his own abilities and experience were central to bringing him onboard.

"I would like to thank Rob Penney and Joe Schmidt for being so positive and giving Anthony Foley and Greg (Feek) the scope to be part of the plans that we have."

Foley said: "I was delighted when Declan approached Rob and me about the possibility of working with the Ireland team again. I enjoyed the opportunity I got during the Six Nations working with the players and I felt once we were all comfortable with the balance between Munster and Ireland, I jumped at the chance.

"I certainly feel I can contribute positively and when you get the chance to coach with your country, you don't want to pass it up."

DK will add at least one more back and probably a prop to the squad after the weekend of @RaboDirectPRO12 action. #irishrugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 24, 2012