Test arena.

Joe Schmidt on Wednesday named an extended 42-man Ireland squad for their upcoming internationals against Italy, Argentina, New Zealand and USA.

The head coach’s decision to name such an large squad surprised a lot of people at first, but in reality it’s an excellent move. Ireland have almost a full compliment of players to choose from at the moment, and some incredible depth. Utilising your full roster in a Rugby World Cup year is imperative, and gives Schmidt a chance to look at some of the more fringe players.

Guys like Sammy Arnold, Stuart McCloskey and Will Addison will all get a chance to show Schmidt what they’re capable in the Test cauldron, putting pressure on the more established players who will be very aware of the competition that surrounds them.

What’s really interesting though, is the fact that some very good rugby players still miss out, despite Schmidt naming one of the largest Ireland squads in recent memory. The depth that exists within Irish Rugby right now is like nothing we’ve ever seen.

That being said, here are five winners and fiver losers following the squad announcement.

Winners

Sam Arnold
The Munster centre has been knocking around Ireland training squads for quite some time now, but has never been officially named. Still only 22, Schmidt clearly sees something in the former Ulster prospect, and to be fair – his form over the last 12 months or so has been very impressive. Huge opportunity for him.

Stuart McCloskey
A surprise selection here, but a warranted one all the same. The Ulster centre has long been a fan-favourite but has been regularly overlooked by Schmidt. His inclusion is a huge opportunity for him to convince the Ireland head coach he should be a regular in the Irish set-up – providing he gets the required game time to show him.

Will Addison
The former Sale Sharks man has been arguably Ulster’s best player this season, shining at fullback as well as in the centre. Schmidt brought him in to train with Ireland in Australia, so it’s clear the Ireland boss has been keeping tabs on this man for a while. Could very well assume the role Jared Payne had in the years to come given his versatility.

Finlay Bealham
The Connacht man might have thought his days playing for Ireland were over after falling so far down the pecking order, but his form this season forced Schmidt to give him another go. It won’t be easy overtaking the props ahead of him, but he has his chance.

Darren Sweetnam
The Munster winger is back in an Ireland squad for the first time in a year thanks to some excellent provincial form. An incredible athlete who’s ability under the high ball is up there with the very best.

Losers

Mike Haley
Another man who came from Sale Sharks over the summer, Haley has been playing well for Munster since arriving. But Schmidt clearly feels he’s not quite ready to make the step up to international rugby yet. Definitely one for the future though.

Marty Moore
The former Leinster prop returned to Ireland with Ulster over the summer, but missing the first few games through injury seems to have cost him. The former Wasps man has a lot of ground to make up ahead of the Six Nations if he’s to overtake the likes of Andrew Porter and John Ryan and make the squad.

Craig Gilroy
The Ulster winger has been electric this season, but clearly hasn’t done enough to impress Schmidt. With the caliber of wingers in the squad it was always going to be difficult, but at the same time he’ll still feel a little aggrieved.

Rory Scannell
Ireland are more stocked in the centre right now than they’ve ever been in history. When Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are three of the centres you’re up against – it was always going to be difficult for Rory Scannell. And understandably he wants to see what Sam Arnold and Will Addison are made of in green. The door isn’t full shut for Scannell, but he’s got a hell of a mountain to climb.

Ultan Dillane
The Connacht lock has been overlooked now for the last number of squads, and probably feels his chances of making the Rugby World Cup squad are very small at this stage. All he can do is play well for Connacht and hope he might get another chance. But again – he’s got one hell of a mountain to climb with guys like Ryan, Henderson, Beirne and Toner all ahead of him.