Craig Casey Captains Ireland Squad for Summer Tests in Georgia, Portugal

Ireland's interim head coach Paul O’Connell has named a 32-man squad for their summer tour to Georgia and Portugal, with Munster scrum-half Craig Casey appointed as captain. Casey will become the 112th player to captain Ireland, stepping in due to Caelen Doris's injury and the absence of key players on British & Irish Lions duty. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, including 11 uncapped players such as Alex Kendellen and Darragh Murray, alongside training panellists from Ulster. Injured players Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, and Robbie Henshaw were not selected to allow for recovery and pre-season preparation. The tour marks Ireland's sixth encounter with Georgia and their first senior international match against Portugal. O’Connell highlighted the challenge posed by both teams, emphasizing the opportunity this tour presents for emerging players to impress and deepen the squad.