Ireland XV squad to face Fiji A includes former England prop Kieran Brookes

Kieran Brookes, who won 16 caps for England, is now in line to wear green. The 36-year-old Munster tighthead is in a 28-man Ireland XV squad to play Fiji A in Cork on Friday 20 November.

Brookes is free to change countries because his last Test was in 2016, well outside World Rugby's 36-month stand-down period. BBC Sport reported that he qualifies for Ireland through grandparents born in Belfast and Dublin.

Dan Kelly won one England cap in 2021 and is also included. In all, nine of the squad are Munster players.

The other name that stands out is Joey Carbery. The out-half has not played for Ireland's senior side since 2022, and the meeting with Fiji A gives him a way back into the national set-up.

Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy will captain the side. Ulster attack coach Mark Sexton takes charge as head coach for the match, and he presented it as a chance for players to press their claims. "This is a hugely important fixture for players to put their hands up and try to break into the senior Men's squad," Sexton said. He added: "I am proud and excited to work with the Ireland XV squad for the forthcoming match against Fiji ‘A’ in Cork."

The timing will interest Springbok supporters. The Fiji A game is on the eve of Andy Farrell's senior Ireland side taking on back-to-back world champions South Africa in Dublin on Saturday 21 November. Sexton's squad will gather in Cork on Monday 16 November to start preparing.