Three new faces as Schmidt casts Ireland net wide

A larger than expected squad, one notable absentee and plenty of opportunity from fringe players to strengthen their cases for something more than a cameo in the build-up to next autumn’s World Cup.

There is a lot to like about the 42-player Ireland squad, captained by a fit again Rory Best and announced by head coach Joe Schmidt for November’s four Test matches, starting with a trip to Chicago for a clash with Six Nations rivals Italy at Soldier Field and followed by the 2018 Guinness Series back on home turf against Argentina, New Zealand, and the United States on consecutive Saturdays.