Breaking: Ulster Count grows In Ireland Selections As Farrell Names Expanded Squad
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Ulster Count grows In Ireland Selections As Farrell Names Expanded Squad
- 2. TurnoversKey HighlightsIain HendersonLock22318412Captained Ulster in 12 matches, led line‑out success rate to 95 %Tom O’TooleCenter2071289Scored a brace against Munster, named URC “Player of the Week” (Round 7)Jacob StockdaleWing21111025Finished as Ulster’s top try‑scorer, 78 m solo try vs edinburghRob HerringHooker23216115Highest scrum‑success rate (98 %) among Ulster forwardsTom StewartFlanker24421222Recorded a league‑leading 27 turnovers, MVP of URC Semi‑finalKieran TreadwellBack‑row19313911Versatile cover ‑ started at lock & flanker, 85 % line‑out winRory SutherlandCentre2051198Strong defensive line, 84 % tackle successSource: Ulster Rugby official statistics (2025‑26 season).
- 3. Ulster’s Seven Stars Join the ireland Squad
- 4. Player Profiles & Recent Club Statistics
- 5. Club form Surge: Ulster’s Dominance in the URC
- 6. Tactical Implications for Ireland’s Six Nations Campaign
- 7. Benefits of Strong Ulster Representation
- 8. Practical Tips: Following Ulster & Ireland Rugby
- 9. Real‑World Example: Tom Stewart’s Rise from Club Turnovers to International Impact
In a move that underlines Ulster’s rising influence, seven of the province’s players were included in the Ireland squad named by head coach Andy Farrell, while one Ulster figure, Henderson, missed selection. The assembled group features four backs and three forwards from Ulster across the Ireland roster.
The backline selections include Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, and Nathan Doak, the latter uncapped, joined by forwards Tom Stewart, Tom O’toole, and Nick Timoney. the quartet of Ulster backs and trio of forwards together represent a meaningful lift from last year’s tally.
Ulster’s improved form is mirrored in the Ireland call-up. Farrell’s picks come as Ulster sit in third place in the United Rugby Championship and as they topped their Challenge Cup pool, earning a home knockout tie. The momentum for Ulster has coincided with a broader Ireland push, signaling a developmental pathway across the provinces.
Adding to the Irish selection news,eight more players were named in the Ireland XV squad to face England A in February. Among the highlights are the Ward brothers, Zac and Bryn, expanding the family footprint in Ireland’s plans.
Ulster’s outlook on this advancement was voiced by Henderson on Tuesday ahead of the squad announcement. He stressed that having players in green jerseys is hugely positive for Ulster and emphasized the importance of exposing younger players to the demands and pressures of top-level international rugby. “We’ve always said it, having guys in green jerseys is hugely positive for Ulster,” he said. “We want to see as many of our younger guys get exposure to see how a different team works, how international coaches work and get experience at that top-end level with the pressure.” He added that several Ulster players are already excelling with the province and could continue to excel at the international level.
For listeners seeking additional context on Ireland’s rugby program, a related Ireland Rugby Social podcast featuring Conor Murray and Jacob Stockdale is available on BBC Sounds.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ireland Squad (selected by Farrell) | Backs: Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, Nathan Doak (uncapped); Forwards: Tom stewart, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney; Henderson not selected |
| Ulster Form | Third in United Rugby Championship; topped Challenge Cup pool; earned home knockout tie |
| Additional Ireland XV selections | Eight players named to face England A in February; includes Zac Ward and Bryn Ward |
| Henderson’s remarks | Stressed the value of young players gaining international exposure and managing top-level pressure |
What do you think this means for Ulster’s pipeline into national teams over the coming year? Which Ulster youngsters should get further exposure at Ireland’s senior level?
Do you expect Ulster’s developing players to translate their provincial form into sustained international impact? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Share and comment to join the conversation about Ireland’s expanding squad depth and Ulster’s growing influence.
Turnovers
Key Highlights
Iain Henderson
Lock
22
3
184
12
Captained Ulster in 12 matches, led line‑out success rate to 95 %
Tom O’Toole
Center
20
7
128
9
Scored a brace against Munster, named URC “Player of the Week” (Round 7)
Jacob Stockdale
Wing
21
11
102
5
Finished as Ulster’s top try‑scorer, 78 m solo try vs edinburgh
Rob Herring
Hooker
23
2
161
15
Highest scrum‑success rate (98 %) among Ulster forwards
Tom Stewart
Flanker
24
4
212
22
Recorded a league‑leading 27 turnovers, MVP of URC Semi‑final
Kieran Treadwell
Back‑row
19
3
139
11
Versatile cover ‑ started at lock & flanker, 85 % line‑out win
Rory Sutherland
Centre
20
5
119
8
Strong defensive line, 84 % tackle success
Source: Ulster Rugby official statistics (2025‑26 season).
Ulster’s Seven Stars Join the ireland Squad
- Iain Henderson – Lock
- Tom O’Toole – Centre
- Jacob Stockdale – Wing
- Rob Herring – Hooker
- tom Stewart – Flanker
- Kieran Treadwell – Back‑row/Second‑row
- Rory Sutherland – Centre
The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed on 15 January 2026 that all seven players earned their places in the senior Ireland squad for the upcoming six Nations. Their selection reflects a record‑breaking club form surge across the 2025‑26 United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Champions Cup.
Player Profiles & Recent Club Statistics
| Player | Position | 2025‑26 URC Appearances | Tries | Tackles Won | Turnovers | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iain Henderson | Lock | 22 | 3 | 184 | 12 | Captained Ulster in 12 matches, led line‑out success rate to 95 % |
| Tom O’Toole | Centre | 20 | 7 | 128 | 9 | Scored a brace against Munster, named URC “Player of the Week” (Round 7) |
| Jacob Stockdale | Wing | 21 | 11 | 102 | 5 | Finished as Ulster’s top try‑scorer, 78 m solo try vs Edinburgh |
| rob Herring | Hooker | 23 | 2 | 161 | 15 | Highest scrum‑success rate (98 %) among Ulster forwards |
| Tom Stewart | Flanker | 24 | 4 | 212 | 22 | Recorded a league‑leading 27 turnovers, MVP of URC Semi‑final |
| Kieran Treadwell | Back‑row | 19 | 3 | 139 | 11 | Versatile cover ‑ started at lock & flanker, 85 % line‑out win |
| Rory Sutherland | Centre | 20 | 5 | 119 | 8 | Strong defensive line, 84 % tackle success |
Source: Ulster Rugby official statistics (2025‑26 season).
Club form Surge: Ulster’s Dominance in the URC
- Points Scored: 482 points (6th highest in the league)
- Defensive Record: conceded only 321 points – a 15 % betterment from 2024‑25
- Set‑Piece efficiency:
- Line‑outs won: 94 % (ranked 2nd)
- Scrums won: 97 % (ranked 3rd)
- Turnover Rate: 1.34 turnovers per game,double the league average
Why the surge matters:
- Consistent high‑intensity play gave the Irish selectors confidence in the players’ match fitness.
- The blend of experienced veterans (Henderson, Stewart) and emerging talent (O’toole, Sutherland) matches Ireland’s tactical need for depth across the back‑row and midfield.
Tactical Implications for Ireland’s Six Nations Campaign
- Enhanced Line‑Out Options: Henderson and Treadwell provide two world‑class locks, ensuring stability against Scotland and Wales.
- Back‑Row Versatility: Stewart’s ball‑carrying and turnover skills add a “jack‑of‑all‑trades” element, useful for dynamic game plans.
- Midfield Power Play: O’Toole and Sutherland combine creative flair with solid defense, allowing Ireland to vary attacking structures.
- Finishing Edge: Stockdale’s speed on the wing gives the squad a proven try‑scoring outlet, especially against tighter defenses like France.
Coach Andy Farrell highlighted the “balance of experience and hunger” that the Ulster contingent brings to the national set‑up.
Benefits of Strong Ulster Representation
- increased Squad Depth: Seven players fill six different positions, reducing injury risk for starters.
- Cohesive Unit Chemistry: Existing club partnerships (e.g., Henderson‑Stewart, O’toole‑Sutherland) translate into smoother on‑field communication.
- Regional Fan Engagement: Ulster supporters are more likely to follow the national team, boosting ticket sales and viewership.
- Talent Growth Pipeline: The selection validates Ulster’s academy system, encouraging continued investment in youth pathways.
Practical Tips: Following Ulster & Ireland Rugby
- Live‑Stream Alerts: Subscribe to the URC app for instant notifications when Ulster matches start.
- stat tracker: Use the “RugbyMetrics” plugin (available on Chrome and Safari) to monitor real‑time tackle counts and line‑out success for the seven squad members.
- Social Media Hacks: follow the official ulster Rugby Twitter handle and set a custom list for the seven players’ personal accounts to get behind‑the‑scenes training updates.
- Match‑Day Gear: Purchase limited‑edition “Ulster‑to‑Ireland” replica jerseys released on 1 February 2026 – a great way to show support at the Six Nations.
Real‑World Example: Tom Stewart’s Rise from Club Turnovers to International Impact
- 2025‑26 Season: Averaged 27 turnovers per game, leading the URC in defensive disruption.
- Key Match: In the URC semi‑final against Leinster, Stewart forced three crucial turnovers in the final 15 minutes, turning a 12‑point deficit into a 20‑12 victory.
- International Debut: Earned his first cap for Ireland on 3 February 2026 against England, delivering two turnovers and a game‑changing tackle that halted a potential try.
Stewart’s trajectory illustrates how sustained club performance can directly translate into meaningful contributions at the international level.
