InEdwin EdogboThe 23-year-old gave Andy Farrell a timely nudge with a couple of tries off the bench in Munster’s defeat to Castres. His standing was illustrated when Farrell took him to Chicago as a travelling reserve for the Test against the All Blacks. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty ImagesIf Baloucoune was to add to his four Ireland caps (two tries), an increased work-rate was one requirement. OutCaolin BladeCaolin Blade will look to put his Ireland disappointment behind him when Connacht take on Leinster on Saturday. Lost out to his Connacht teammates Matthew Devine and Ben Murphy and Leinster’s Fintan Gunne for a place in the Ireland XV squad to boot.

Source: The Irish Times January 22, 2026 09:01 UTC