Andy Farrell has named his squad for Ireland’s upcoming November international Test matches and as ever, there is cause for debate.
Ireland will first battle New Zealand at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday, November 1st (3.10pm local / 8.10pm Irish time). The fixture marks Ireland’s return to the venue for the first time since they famously beat the All Blacks in 2016.
Three consecutive home Tests at the Aviva Stadium follow, with Japan, Australia, and South Africa all visiting Dublin on successive weekends.
New Zealand, Joe Schmidt’s resurgent Wallabies and South Africa all showed good form in the Rugby Championship with the latter retaining the trophy.
Farrell has opted for the tried and trusted; the return of Caelan Doris after a shoulder issue which cost him a Lions tour now in the past.
Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is the only uncapped selection in the main squad, although Connacht wing Shayne Bolton, recently fit Munster lock Edwin Edogbo and Munster No8 Brian Gleeson are all included as cover.
Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy, Calvin Nash and Cormac Izuchukwu all missed out through injury.
Andy Goode questions Gavin Coombes omission
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One notable absence, as is a consistent theme in Ireland squads, is that of first-choice Munster No8 Gavin Coombes.
The powerful ball-carrier has been the province’s most abrasive threat, racking up an impressive tally of tries and is at times unstoppable from within five metres of the line.
Ireland do not lack quality when it comes to the back-row and Coombes has again been a victim of that fact. Doris, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast have all been preferred.
Former England international and esteemed rugby pundit Andy Goode has questioned the West Cork native’s omission on social media.
Taking to X, he asked: “Anyone know what Gavin Coombes needs to do to get in the Ireland squad or what he’s done to not be in it?”
Anyone know what Gavin Coombes needs to do to get in the Ireland squad or what he’s done to not be in it?
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) October 15, 2025
Goode is not the only person to take to social media to express their disbelief with Coombes’ latest absence.
Injuries could still pave the way for Coombes but Munster teammate Gleeson is already waiting as cover.
Coombes has certainly more stature given his greater experience than the emerging Gleeson although Farrell may be keen to see what the younger Munster option has to offer in the role.
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