Ulster duo named in Andy Farrell squad for November Nations Championship matches
Ulster players Jamie Benson and James McNabney have earned their maiden international call-ups for Ireland ahead of the upcoming November Nations Championship fixtures at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, according to information published by BBC.
Head coach Andy Farrell selected the uncapped pair to bolster the national team during a difficult period, as the squad deals with a lengthy injury list that includes captain Caelan Doris and fly-half Jack Crowley, forcing Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan to step up as captain.
Ireland will kick off their autumn campaign against Argentina on 6 November, followed by matches against Fiji and world champions South Africa, before the tournament finals weekend takes place at the Allianz Stadium in London.
Andy Farrell praises Ulster newcomers
Head coach Andy Farrell expressed enthusiasm about welcoming new faces into the international setup, highlighting the impressive versatility and early-season form shown by Jamie Benson since his move from Harlequins.
Farrell also praised the physical presence of back row James McNabney, describing him as a remarkable specimen of a man after the 23-year-old returned to action following a challenging year on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Injury list tests Ireland squad depth
The autumn selection process required careful navigation around missing key personnel, with Farrell noting that injuries always test group depth, placing responsibility on the entire squad to maintain momentum as the team builds toward the World Cup.
Prominent absentees alongside Caelan Doris and Jack Crowley include Jack Boyle, Harry Byrne, Jack Conan, Iain Henderson, Paddy McCarthy, Calvin Nash, and Bryn Ward, while scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is named despite a groin injury.
Upcoming November Nations Championship fixtures
Ireland enters the autumn series after a mixed 2026 season that featured a Triple Crown success, narrow victories over Australia and Japan in the opening Nations Championship matches, and a tough defeat against New Zealand.
The team will face Argentina in Dublin on 6 November, host Fiji on 14 November, and play South Africa on 21 November, aiming to test their progress against elite global competition under head coach Andy Farrell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earned their first Ireland rugby call-ups?
Ulster players Jamie Benson and James McNabney received their maiden international selections for Ireland ahead of the November Nations Championship matches.
Who is captaining Ireland in the absence of Caelan Doris?
Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the Ireland team during the autumn series while regular captain Caelan Doris remains sidelined with an injury.
Who does Ireland play in the November fixtures?
Ireland will face Argentina on 6 November, Fiji on 14 November, and world champions South Africa on 21 November at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
