Autumn series.

Joe Schmidt will be keeping a close eye on this weekend’s European fixtures as he gets set to name his Ireland squad next week for the November internationals.

While most spots will already be nailed down, some early season form should see some fringe players called up – especially for the games against Italy and USA. And unlike his compatriot Eddie Jones, Schmidt pretty much has a full roster to choose from thanks to some excellent game management from the IRFU.

That also means however, that a number of top players will miss out next month, such is the depth currently available across almost every position. Schmidt will be sweating on the fitness of scrumhalf Conor Murray though, but will be encouraged by the form of guys like Luke McGrath and John Cooney.

Ulster’s Will Addison will likely be the only uncapped player in the squad. The former Sale man trained with Ireland over the summer and has arguably been Ulster’s best player this season. His versatility could also be useful.

In terms of omissions, we could see guys like Jordi Murphy, Rhys Ruddock, Fergus McFadden and Tommy O’Donnell all miss out – such is the competition.

Potential Ireland Squad for November Internationals

FORWARDS (20)
Rory Best
Tadhg Beirne
Jack Conan
Sean Cronin
Tadhg Furlong
Cian Healy
Dave Kilcoyne
Iain Henderson
Niall Scannell
Dan Leavy
Jack McGrath
Josh van der Flier
Peter O’Mahony
Andrew Porter
Sean O’Brien
James Ryan
John Ryan
CJ Stander
Devin Toner
Quinn Roux/Ultan Dillane

BACKS (16)
Bundee Aki
Ross Byrne
Joey Carbery
Andrew Conway
John Cooney
Keith Earls
Robbie Henshaw
Rob Kearney
Jordan Larmour
Kieran Marmion/Conor Murray (if fit)
Luke McGrath
Garry Ringrose
Johnny Sexton
Jacob Stockdale
Will Addison
Darren Sweetnam

Ireland’s November Fixtures

IRELAND vs Italy
Saturday 3rd November 2018

IRELAND vs Argentina
Saturday 10th November 2018 KO 6.30pm

IRELAND vs New Zealand
Saturday 17th November 2018 KO 7.00pm

IRELAND vs USA
Saturday 24th November 2018 KO 6.30pm