Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has opted to hold back the likes of captain Rory Best and vice-captains Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony as he named an unfamiliar 26-man Ireland squad to face Italy. Ireland kick off their November series in Soldier Field, Chicago on Saturday ahead of games against Argentina, New Zealand and the USA in Dublin. Ulster back Will Addison has moved a step closer to his Test debut after being names with Leinster playmaker Ross Byrne also edging closer to his Test bow in making the Chicago squad. The squad is not without big names, as Grand Slam winners Jack McGrath, James Ryan, Devin Toner and Garry Ringrose all included. Backs: W Addison (Ulster), B Aki (Connacht), R Byrne (Leinster), J Carbery, A Conway (both Munster), J Cooney (Ulster), J Larmour, L McGrath, G Ringrose (all Leinster), J Stockdale (Ulster), D Sweetnam (Munster).

Source: Evening echo October 29, 2018 15:33 UTC