Farrell hands first Ireland call-ups to Benson and McNabney for Nations Championship autumn tests

Andy Farrell has handed first Ireland call-ups to Ulster fly-half Jamie Benson and back-rower James McNabney in a 36-man squad for the Nations Championship’s northern hemisphere series, with tests against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa scheduled in November.

Hooker Dan Sheehan retains the captaincy in the continued absence of Caelan Doris, who is still recovering from knee and foot problems that kept him out of the summer tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Farrell confirmed Doris remains unavailable for the autumn campaign.

Benson’s inclusion comes as direct cover for Harry Byrne, who is injured, while McNabney benefits from a back-row crisis created by both Doris and Jack Conan missing out. Conan suffered a shoulder injury while scoring a try in Leinster’s 48-23 Champions Cup victory over Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

Among the returning faces, wing Mack Hansen and loosehead prop Andrew Porter are back in the squad after spells on the sidelines. Scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park also returns despite having yet to feature for Leinster this season due to a groin strain.

Several other players were ruled out through injury, including Jack Boyle, Jack Crowley, Iain Henderson, Paddy McCarthy, Calvin Nash and Bryn Ward.

The full 36-man squad is drawn from all four provinces, with Leinster providing the largest contingent. Forwards include the experienced Tadhg Furlong (88 caps), James Ryan (83), Josh van der Flier (81) and Tadhg Beirne (73), while the backs feature Robbie Henshaw (85), Garry Ringrose (76) and Bundee Aki (72).

Ireland’s autumn series represents a significant block of fixtures as Farrell continues to build squad depth ahead of future international windows, with the uncapped pair from Ulster given the opportunity to press their cases at the highest level.