Waterford’s Thomas Ahern has been named in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Internationals, continuing what has been a breakthrough year for the Munster lock.

Ahern made his senior international debut in August against Georgia and followed it up with a second cap versus Portugal, impressing with his athleticism, lineout presence and energy around the park. His inclusion marks another major milestone in a year that has seen him establish himself as one of Ireland’s most promising forwards.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named a 34-man panel for the Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand in Chicago and the Quilter Nations Series at Aviva Stadium. Caelan Doris will captain the side, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is the only uncapped player named in the main squad. Connacht winger Shayne Bolton, who made his debut during the summer tour, and uncapped Munster pair Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson will travel to Chicago as cover.

Farrell’s selection blends experience with fresh talent as Ireland prepare for a demanding November schedule. Several key players — Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy, Calvin Nash and Cormac Izuchukwu — miss out through injury, but the head coach has opted to reward form and versatility throughout the squad.

“I’m delighted to announce the squad for the four upcoming matches this November,” Farrell said. “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 and will 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. I’ve no doubt the Irish supporters will be out once again in force to cheer on the team in a brilliant city at a world-class arena.”

For Ahern, the call-up is a reward for consistent form and growing maturity in the Munster second row. The former Waterpark RFC and Shannon clubman has long been viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Irish rugby, and his continued involvement at Test level underlines his growing status within Farrell’s plans heading into the next World Cup cycle.

Ireland will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on October 20 before flying to Chicago the following day. They will open their autumn campaign against New Zealand at Soldier Field on November 1, before returning home to face Japan, Australia and South Africa in three consecutive weekends at the Aviva Stadium. The matches against Australia and South Africa are already sold out, with limited tickets remaining for the opening fixture against Japan.

The Gallagher Cup clash against New Zealand will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One in the Republic of Ireland and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, while the Quilter Nations Series will be shown live on RTÉ and TNT Sports.

Ireland Squad – November 2025

Forwards (19):

Thomas Ahern (Shannon/Munster)(2), Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(29), Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51), Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(61), Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster)(4), Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)(8), Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(51), Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(51)(captain), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(79), Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(85), Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(39), Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(6), Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*, Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(75), Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(5), James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(72), Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32), Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster)(4), Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(73).

Backs (15):

Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(65), Caolin Blade (Galwegians/Connacht)(3), Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(20), Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(26), Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(9), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(43), Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(28), Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(82), James Lowe (Leinster)(40), Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(21), Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(2), Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(8), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(9), Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(67), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(39).

(* denotes uncapped player)

Fixtures

The Gallagher Cup:

• Saturday, 1 November – Ireland v New Zealand, Soldier Field, Chicago (3.10pm local / 8.10pm Irish time)

The Quilter Nations Series:

• Saturday, 8 November – Ireland v Japan, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (12.40pm)

• Saturday, 15 November – Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm)

• Saturday, 22 November – Ireland v South Africa, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (5.40pm)