Andy Farrell has named a 37-man Ireland squad for the Six Nations, featuring fresh faces like uncapped scrum-half Nathan Doak and lock Edwin Edogbo. The selection rewards Ulster's resurgent form, with seven players included, but omits in-form wing Zac Ward and stalwart Iain Henderson. Farrell's side, which won the Triple Crown last year, will open their title bid in Paris against France on February 5th.

The squad's average caps have dropped from 44.1 to 28.4, signaling a potential changing of the guard. Key injuries to Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen, and Robbie Henshaw test Ireland's depth, particularly at prop. Former flanker Stephen Ferris questions if the squad can challenge for the title but sees this as vital for future World Cup planning, given the number of recent debutants.

Doak's inclusion is a major talking point. He has been exceptional for Ulster this season, ranking second in URC kick metres (1,840m) and third in points (65). Ferris believes Doak has proven critics wrong after a difficult previous season. The tournament opener in Paris will immediately reveal if this new-look squad can compete with favourites France and England.