Ireland facing into a significant back-row problem this November

18:34, 19 Oct 2026Updated 19:36, 19 Oct 2026

Andy Farrell would have been entitled to more than just a frown as he watched Jack Conan leave the pitch with a shoulder problem on Saturday in Clermont.

Given Caelan Doris will be out until Christmas he was entitled to a small cuss word—sort of one station past 'oh dear'.

That's because Conan is one tough hombre and rarely grimaces with pain and at a quick glance none of the other three provinces provide instant balm.

The uncapped Brian Gleeson started in the no8 position for Munster against Racing, a 22 year-old with 40 provincial appearances to date.

This was ahead of Munster fans' cause-celebre Gavin Coombes, a try-scoring machine many feel has never been given a proper chance by the international regime.

Indeed Munster boss Clayton McMillan may have muddied the water here.

Last week, was the New Zealander signalling a break from the previously accepted back-row provincial pecking order of Hodnett/Kendellen, Jack O'Donoghue and Coombes?

In favour of revealing a new look trio for the big European game, on the even bigger day of Axel Foley's 10 anniversary, with Sean Edogbo at no6, Hodnett at no7, Gleeson at no 8and with Coombes and O'Donoghue benched?

Elsewhere New Zealand-born Sean Jansen, twice capped for Ireland in 2026, started at no8 for Connacht - leaving Cian Prendergast play no6 - against Saracens.

While the fourth green field saw South African-born Juarno Augustus who is ineligible for Ireland play no8 for Ulster at Zebre.

This small field may have had Farrell on the phone Monday morning looking to speak to Leo Cullen, McMillan, Stuart Lancaster and, possibly, Richie Murphy.

That is either to instruct them who to play in their respective back-rows this weekend (if he is allowed do that) or to ask them who is playing so he knows what to expect ahead of naming the squad tomorrow.

Because looking back over Ireland's recent games, players other than Leinster's dynamic duo Conan and Doris, who have been given a shot at the jersey as a rare as hens' teeth.

Jensen started at no8 against Japan, a 36-20 win in Newcastle, last June.

Previously this was Prendergast against Portugal and Coombes against Georgia in successive weeks in the summer of 2025.

Before that, in 2023, Prendergast started the second-to-last friendly against England before RWC 2023 and Coombes started a July 2021 game against the USA.

The educated guess is that Leinster want to play the uncapped James Culhane, who has 24 provincial appearances to date, and is returning from an early-season injury.

Significantly the fit-again Culhane played no8 against Ospreys, Lions, Ulster Glasgow and Cardiff between February and May 2025.

Munster will have a choice between Coombes and Gleeson with Connacht having a Jensen and Prendergast choice.

Ulster preference is for Augustus at the back of the scrum.

Although Bryn Ward, who gained a cap as a sub against Japan in 2026, played there against Glasgow in URC Rd2 but picked up a knee injury in the 32nd minute and was substituted.

Jeez, no Conan, no Doris, no doubt a good week to get a chance at playing no8 for your province this weekend.