Andy Farrell's settled squad clearly shows Andy Farrell's intentions with Ireland this November

18:00, 21 Oct 2026Updated 18:25, 21 Oct 2026

Andy Farrell is looking forward to meeting Argentina, Fiji and South Africa this November.

And the boss has named an extremely settled squad as he looks for three wins which could propel Ireland in to the Nations Championship final.

"It's always exciting to pick a first squad of the season, to get it out.

"It means the season has started which everyone wants to see, and there's been a weekend of European rugby, which was great for the provinces.

Ulster's James McNabney and Jamie Benson have caught Farrell's eye.

"Obviously impressed enough to select them in this squad. It's always great to give people a chance for the first time," he said

"Jamie Benson came in to camp with us in the summer before we went away, so it was great to get to know him and see what he's all about.

"He's started the season really well in a few different positions for Ulster, so that shows his versatility.

"James McNabney also, as well. We had him into camp on the 31st of August where we had an alignment camp, and that just goes to show that we've been interested in him for a while.

"He's some specimen of a man, and he certainly runs his weight.

"So exciting to get those two boys in but also to make sure that we keep progressing with the lads that had a lot of firsts over the last 18 months.

"What I mean is playing in Australia or Auckland for the first time, or playing France away, or whatever that may be, using those experiences, whether it be a successful one in the Irish shirt or not.

"And making sure that we use those type of experiences to grow in the next 12 months because we all know what's coming up at the end of that.

Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Jack Crowley are among a lost of eight players named as 'injured'.

"It's always going to test you when you've got a couple of injuries in one position," said Farrell.

"But that's not just up to the guys who are stepping in. It's also up to the rest of the squad to make sure that we all row in together and keep us taking steps forward.

There will be three 'extra' games as Ireland XV are scheduled play three times, starting with Fiji in Cork in November.

"This is fantastic which goes along with what I was saying there about the next 12 months and how that's got to develop for us, keep on making sure that we keep finding people who can encounter at this level.

"To have three games, the first one down in Cork on a Friday night in November is going to be a great start.

"But the continuity of the two games in the Six Nations as well is going to be good for this squad and keeping giving people, the right people, the opportunities to deliver when it matters.

Farrell is delighted to have three home games with which to work on the squad on what will be a surface at Lansdowne Road.

"Well, getting back here to the Aviva is one thing. We've got a new surface here, so that'll be a first for the team.

"It's always great to get back here in front of your home supporters, and we know that's going to be needed, especially with the first opponent in Argentina.

"The last time that we played them here, it was a tough old battle, and it's always going to be the case against them.

"But then, obviously, we've got Fiji and South Africa to come here as well

"So, again, a great start to the international calendar because the box office games those are the type of games that we want to play in because we want to keep on testing ourselves."

Andy Farrell was speaking on Irishrugby.ie