Champions Cup 2024

I think you have to get a guy like Ahern into the squad. We don't have 6ft 9 guys with his athleticism growing on trees, and he looks a cert to be involved over the next cycle, so get him in and used to systems, expectations etc.

My prediction for our 37 man squad (using the same composition as last year's squad is as follows):

Props (6): Tadgh Furlong, Finlay Bealham, Tom O'Toole, Andrew Porter, Jeremy Loughman, Cian Healy

Hookers (3): Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, Rob Herring

Locks (4): James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Iain Henderson

Back Row (7): Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O'Mahony, Jack Conan, Ryan Baird, Tom Ahern, Cian Prendergast

Scrum Halves (3): Jamison Gibson Park, Craig Casey, Caolin Blade

Out Halves (3): Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Ross Byrne

Centres (4): Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey

Back Three (7): Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Calvin Nash, Jacob Stockdale, Jordan Larmour, Shane Daly, Shayne Bolton

On the groupings, I don't see a viable alternative to Cian Healy, especially as there are concerns still around Loughman. It won't surprise me if Healy benched in Marseille.

Tom Stewart might push Herring out, but can't see it just yet. Still concerns around his scrummaging etc, and Herring is still the better player IMO.

I've picked the back row I think he'll select - it's useful as Ahern and Baird can also cover lock. I wouldn't personally select effectively four blindsides, and would give a spot to one of Timoney or Hodnett.

Not 100% sure obviously he'll move on from Murray - but his form has been poor. Nathan Doak isn't playing enough and isn't playing well enough to justify inclusion yet (unless as a development player), so Blade is probably next up if they move on from Murray.

Equally - there aren't a whole host of 10 options. No idea what way he'll go there.

I've taken a bolter in the back three in Bolton - but I really struggled to fill out 7 back three places and think he has a kind of abrasive style that Farrell will like. He's been playing very well and is still very young. Makes absolute sense to me to bring him and get a better look at him. He deserves the spot ahead of Baloucoune right now IMO.

I agree - I think Kilgallen's form (and impressive athletic characteristics) had him trending towards the squad, but think he's long term injured?

There was a report in December that he's out for "months" with a hamstring injury.

Baird is a backrower, and was named as one in last year's squad.

I don't see a case for Coombes - he's been in the last few squads, but ultimately missed out, and his form is poorer this season than previously (albeit he was good on Saturday in Toulon).

If it's a straight call between Ahern and Coombes, I would pick Ahern as the higher potential player (and think Farrell would too).