Uncapped quintet in Irish rugby squad

Ireland have announced their rugby union squad for upcoming Tests against Australia, South Africa and Georgia.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has included five uncapped players in a 37-man rugby union squad announced for next month's international programme.

Centre Jared Payne was included in a 37-man squad for the Tests against Australia, South Africa and Georgia at Dublin's Lansdowne Road, as were Darragh Leader, Nathan White, Dave Foley and Dominic Ryan.

They face the Wallabies on November 22.

Payne, who played for New Zealand's under-21 side, has qualified for Ireland on residency grounds and will compete with Connacht's Robbie Henshaw for the outside centre position.

But there was no place for Ulster five-eighth Paddy Jackson, with Schmidt opting for Ian Keatley and Ian Madigan as back-up No.10s to first-choice Johnny Sexton.

Isaac Boss has also missed out at halfback, with Kieran Marmion and Eoin Reddan challenging Munster's British and Irish Lion Conor Murray.

Backs Luke Marshall (knee) and Andrew Trimble (toe) joined a growing injury list on Tuesday that means Ireland will be without 15 senior players next month.

Ireland will open their end-of-year series against the Springboks on Saturday, November 8, with veteran Munster lock Paul O'Connell continuing as captain.


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