Three Kildare inclusions in Andy Farrell's Ireland Rugby World Cup squad

There were three Kildare inclusions when Ireland head coach Andy Farrell announced his squad for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 8. The 33-man squad, 18 of which will be heading to their first World Cup, includes Eadestown’s Tadhg Beirne and Jimmy O’Brien, as well as Athy's Jeremy Loughman.

Tadhg Beirne is very much a key part of this Ireland squad and will head to France as one of the most experienced members of the squad. Beirne is one of eight members heading to their second World Cup with Ireland.

Jimmy O’Brien has come to the surface of Irish rugby in the last couple of years with his clear talent and versatility no doubt factoring into Andy Farrell’s thinking with his inclusion. Loughman is certainly the most surprise inclusion of the three and the Muster prop will no doubt be relishing the opportunity that has been facilitated by Cian Healy’s recent injury.

Tadhg Beirne being one of the most experienced Irish players in the squad is in contrast to his fellow Kildare men. O’Brien, scored his first international try on Saturday (August 26) v Samoa, and Loughman, at 28-years old, has just three Ireland caps. Both O’Brien and Loughman are among the 18, with the likes of Doris, Sheehan and Gibson-Park, who are heading to their first World Cup in a couple of weeks.

Among the locals that were unlucky to miss out were Suncroft man and Connacht Rugby player, Cian Prendergast. Prendergast operates in the back-row, largely as a blindside flanker, and was unfortunate to miss out on the final squad following recent showings.

Ireland will open their Pool B campaign against Romania at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday September 9 (Kick-off 2:30pm Irish time/3:30pm local time), before taking on Tonga in their second outing in Nantes on Saturday, September 16 (Kick-off 8pm Irish time/9pm local time).

Farrell’s side will then move on to the Stade de France in Paris for clashes against defending champions South Africa on Saturday, September 23 (Kick-off 8pm Irish time/9pm local time) and Scotland on Saturday, October 7 (Kick-off 8pm Irish time/9pm local time).

Head Coach Andy Farrell said following the squad announcement, “It has been a difficult selection process over the last number of weeks because a squad of 43 players have worked extremely hard throughout an eight-week pre-season period, with the group pushing each other on the pitch and becoming very close off it.

“As coaches, we are pleased with our 33-player selection and believe we have chosen the right group to represent Ireland in France. It is a hugely exciting time for the group as we prepare to depart for Tours and finalise our preparations for our Rugby World Cup opener against Romania.”

Ireland’s captain Johnny Sexton added, “It is a great honour to lead this group of players to the Rugby World Cup. We have been open and honest about our ambitions for the weeks ahead and with a strong body of work behind us in pre-season, we are looking forward to travelling to France this week to fine-tune our preparations.”