With the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup pool stages coming to their habitually dramatic close and the 2025 Six Nations rapidly approaching, we've taken a look at the stars from club rugby’s greatest tournament who will be looking to shine for their countries across the next couple of months.
Ireland
World Ranking: 2nd
Six Nations 2024 result: Winner
Coach: Simon Easterby
Captain: Caelan Doris
Ones to watch: Sam Prendergast, Caelan Doris and Gus McCarthy
Back-to-back champions in 2023 and 2024, Ireland kicks off their title defence against the side that denied them the Grand Slam last season – England.
Armed with countless world-class talent from across the four provinces, their Leinster Rugby stars will be leading the charge following their faultless Investec Champions Cup pool stage campaign.
With valuable experience in the shape of Cian Healy, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and Caelan Doris – tipped to be the British and Irish Lions captain this summer – along with promising young talents such as Sam Prendergast, Thomas Clarkson and Gus McCarthy, Ireland have a formidable squad list.
Fresh off the back of four wins in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages, Prendergast will undoubtedly turn heads in this season’s Six Nations but will be in a battle with Munster Rugby’s Jack Crowley after some fine displays too.
Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Boyle, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris (c), Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier.
Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose.