Meet Ireland's Three Uncapped Players in July Nations Championship Squad

Ireland's July Nations Championship squad features three uncapped Connacht forwards—Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen—selected amid injuries and strong club form, as the team prepares for Tests against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

Introduction to Ireland's New Faces

Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen are the three uncapped players included in Ireland's 36-man squad announced by head coach Andy Farrell for the upcoming Nations Championship matches in July. All three are forwards from Connacht and have yet to earn their first senior caps for Ireland.

The squad will face Australia, Japan, and New Zealand in July, with preparations beginning as the team travels to Sydney on Monday. The selection of these players highlights Connacht's strong form in the latter part of the season, which has propelled them to eighth place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) table, securing a spot in the playoffs and qualification for the next season's Champions Cup.

Alongside Bohan, Illo, and Jansen, three other Connacht players—Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, and Bundee Aki—have also been named in the squad. The inclusion of Illo and Bohan, both front-rowers, is partly due to injuries to Leinster props Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle, and Paddy McCarthy, giving these younger players an opportunity to prove themselves at the international level.

Billy Bohan

Kildare-born Billy Bohan was part of Ireland's Six Nations squad earlier this year but did not feature in any matches. Due to limited options at loose-head prop, Farrell has decided to give the 20-year-old another chance to impress. Bohan has demonstrated notable maturity during his first senior season and has become a regular starter for Connacht under head coach Stuart Lancaster since his debut in December.

In addition to Bohan, Farrell has more experienced loose-head props in Jeremy Loughman and Tom O'Toole. Bohan progressed through consistent performances at underage levels and was promoted from Connacht's Academy to the senior professional squad for the current season. He made his senior competitive debut during the 2025-26 season against Georgian club Black Lion in the European Challenge Cup and has made 11 appearances in URC fixtures.

In 2025, Bohan represented Ireland Under-20s in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship. He was called up to the Irish Wolfhounds in January 2026 before joining the senior squad.

Sam Illo

Dublin native Sam Illo has been selected for the senior Ireland squad for the first time, having previously played for Emerging Ireland. His inclusion provides Farrell with an opportunity to evaluate another front-row option ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed his best season with Connacht since debuting in 2022, having previously been part of the Leinster academy. Illo made his Connacht debut against Stade Francais in the European Champions Cup and has accumulated 49 appearances across URC and European competitions by the end of the current season.

He was an Ireland Under-20 international during the 2021 Six Nations and transferred to Connacht before the 2022/23 season to gain more senior game time.

Sean Jansen

Sean Jansen, a back row forward, was the third highest try-scorer in the 2025-26 URC with 10 tries.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Jansen qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents from Antrim and Kildare. Previously part of Emerging Ireland, this is his first inclusion in a senior Ireland panel, earned through impressive performances for Connacht.

Jansen's 10 tries in the URC were the most among Irish squad members, and he ranked third in tackles made with 219. His performances suggest he has the potential to compete with established back row players such as Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.

Jansen began his professional rugby career later than most, initially playing for Green Island club in Dunedin and North Otago. After a season and a half with Leicester Tigers, where he made 15 appearances and scored five tries, he joined Connacht in summer 2023.

Additional Context

The announcement of the squad comes amid mounting challenges for Farrell ahead of the summer tour. Injuries to key players have necessitated the inclusion of less experienced players, providing opportunities for emerging talent to stake their claim on the international stage.

Farrell recently extended his contract with Ireland through to 2031, signaling a long-term vision for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup and other international competitions.