The future is green.

A huge talking point surrounding Ireland this year and their hugely successful Grand Slam campaign, was just how young the majority of the current squad are.

While 2009’s triumph in Cardiff felt like the “pinnacle” in many respects for the “golden generation” of the O’Driscoll’s, the O’Gara’s and the O’Connell’s — 2017 feels more like a stepping stone to much more.

Eight of the matchday 23 that took on England in Twickenham were 25 years of age or younger. And at a glance, some of the best players in the country right are 25 or younger and have their best years still to come.

That being said, I’ve decided to have a crack at assembling an Irish XV from players who are 25 or younger. I’ve also thrown in a few notable mentions, who in fairness, would probably make a lot of international teams, such is the plethora of young talent on Irish shores right now.

Ireland Under-25 XV

15. Jordan Larmour (20) – Leinster
14. Darren Sweetnam (24) – Munster
13. Garry Ringrose (23) – Leinster
12. Robbie Henshaw (24) – Leinster
11. Jacob Stockdale (22) – Ulster
10. Joey Carbery (22) – Leinster
9. Luke McGrath (25) – Leinster

1. Ed Byrne (24) – Leinster
2. Niall Scannell (25) – Munster
3. Tadhg Furlong (25) – Leinster
4. Ultan Dillane (24) – Connacht
5. James Ryan (21) – Leinster
6. Jack O’Donoghue (24) – Munster
7. Dan Leavy (23) – Leinster
8. Jack Conan (25) – Leinster

Notable mentions: Sam Arnold (21, Munster), Adam Byrne (23, Leinster), Josh van der Flier (24, Leinster), Kieran Treadwell (22, Ulster), Andrew Porter (22, Leinster),  Ross Byrne (22, Leinster),  Max Deegan (21, Leinster), Alex Wootton (23, Munster), JJ Hanrahan (25, Munster), Chris Farrell (25, Munster), Rory Scannell (24, Munster)

I may have missed a few players, and you might not agree with my XV, but it’s just a bit of fun at the end of the day.

If you’d like to make some recommendations, feel free to sound off in the comments.