We picked our best Ireland XV of players to miss out on Six Nations selection

It's a good team.

Our XV, made up of the best not, selected shows the impressive depth that we have in the country.

Thankfully, many of our side have been named in the Ireland XV squad to take on England 'A'.

Loosehead prop - Paddy McCarthy

The most disappointing injury, given how well the youngster was developing.

Despite only having four caps to his name, he is still a massive loss.

Hooker - Gus McCarthy

The form of Ulster's Tom Stewart has made sure that Leinster don't have three hookers in the main squad.

Tighthead prop - Andrew Porter

While he would have played at loosehead had he been fit, he briefly returned to the other side of the scrum for Leinster recently.

With the talent coming through at No 1, a permanent move back to tighthead is on the cards.

Second row - Iain Henderson

The veteran is the most surprising omission from the squad, given that he has been an ever-present for over a decade.

We may have seen the last of him in green.

Second row - Cormac Izuchukwu

Another devastating blow for a man who has now missed out a number of times through injury.

Thankfully the 25-year-old has time on the side.

Blindside flanker - Ryan Baird

Ireland's biggest loss through injury after being their standout performer during the Autumn.

Openside flanker - Bryn Ward

John Hodnett is usually the man for team like these, but Ward's recent form wins out.

Not only has he been selected in the Ireland XV squad, but will also train with the senior squad during their Portugal camp.

Number eight - Gavin Coombes

The poster boy for players who have been hard done by with selection over the years.

It has happened so many times now that most fans are numb to it and do not feel disappointment.

Scrum-half - Ben Murphy

Either of his Connacht teammates, Caolin Blade and Matthew Devine, could have been named here.

There is serious depth at No 9 out west.

Out-half - Jack Murphy

Unfortunately, he is stuck behind four international fly-halves.

Fortunately, they have all been picked in the main squad, guaranteeing him a starting spot against England 'A'.

Left wing - JJ Kenny

Despite being uncapped, his omission was slightly surprising given how he has snuck ahead of James Lowe in the Leinster pecking order.

Expect him to be capped before the year-end.

Inside centre - Robbie Henshaw

We never wish to see a player injured, but Henshaw missing out may improve Ireland in the long term.

It is high time that Jamie Osborne was given time at 12.

Outside centre - Jude Postlethwaite

Given the age profile of Ireland's centres, Farrell needs to start seriously thinking about new blood.

He's another player who should be capped before the end of 2026.

Right wing - Zac Ward

The most disappointing omission from the main squad, given the type of excitement he brings out wide with his ability to beat defenders.

Fullback - Mike Haley

Another Munster player who has never been fancied by Farrell.

A classy operator.

Ireland XV who missed out on Six Nations squad:

1. Paddy McCarthy
2. Gus McCarthy
3. Andrew Porter
4. Iain Henderson
5. Cormac Izuchukwu
6. Ryan Baird
7. Bryn Ward
8. Gavin Coombes
9. Ben Murphy
10. Jack Murphy
11. JJ Kenny
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Jude Postlethwaite
14. Zac Ward
15. Mike Haley