Andy Farrell names Ireland squad for Autumn Nations Series, including Springbok showdown

The imposing Leinster number eight picked up a shoulder injury in his side's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints, and missed the British and Irish Lions tour as a result.

He is among several high-profile names back in the mix for Ireland, with the likes of Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan also back in the Ireland squad after their exploits with the Lions.

Ireland begin their Autumn Nations Series in Chicago against the All Blacks, before facing Japan, Australia and the Boks on home soil.

The Ireland squad also sees just one debutant included, in the form of Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy, while one-cap Shayne Bolton and uncapped Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson will travel to the USA as cover.

But, they will be without British and Irish Lions duo Hugo Keenan and Joe McCarthy through injury, while Calvin Nash and Cormac Izuchukwu also miss out through knocks.

Commenting on his selection, Farrell said: "I'm delighted to announce the squad for the four upcoming matches this November. There's an exciting look to the panel, and there's an opportunity for the more experienced players and for those who made their debuts on the Summer Tour to Georgia and Portugal. The Coaching Team are looking forward to seeing all of the players take their opportunity over the coming weeks.

"This November's Quilter Nations Series promises to be a great challenge. We're playing four top-quality southern hemisphere teams who are all coming off the back of a busy block of matches of late, and they'll be keen to finish their year strongly. First up is New Zealand, and we're really excited to get back to Chicago for the Gallagher Cup match. I've no doubt the Irish global supporter base will be out once again in force to cheer on the team in a brilliant city at a world-class arena.

"We've seen the strides Japan have made from their ever-improving domestic competition and how that has led to success on the field for the national team over the last number of years.

"The following weekend we welcome Australia, a side who we faced in a competitive 150th Anniversary match last November and who have made confident progressions since then through The British and Irish Lions Tour and into the Rugby Championship. We have great respect for them and the Springboks, who we face in the final Test match of the calendar year the following week.

"We talk about it a lot, but having a loud and vocal support at home in Aviva Stadium means everything to us. A strong Irish following can be such a positive point of difference, and I know how excited each of the players are to represent their country. It promises to be a cracking few weeks of international rugby."

Ireland squad

Forwards: Thomas Ahern, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Ronan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier

Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale

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