Munster supporters have been left frustrated following the announcement of Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, with just two players from the province included in the 36-man selection.

Tadhg Beirne and Craig Casey are Munster’s only representatives.

The announcement has raised questions among Munster fans, particularly with several of the province’s younger players missing out on an opportunity to impress on the international stage.

One of the most notable omissions is Brian Gleeson, the highly-rated back-row forward who had been tipped for a call-up following Jack Conan’s injury.

There’s no room either for the likes of Tom Ahern, Jeremy Loughman, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes, Shay McCarthy, Sean Edogbo and others.

The selection of uncapped players James McNabney and Jamie Benson highlights Farrell’s willingness to introduce fresh faces, making the absence of some of Munster’s emerging talent particularly disappointing for supporters.

The disappointment comes despite Munster’s encouraging start to the season, which included an impressive Champions Cup victory over Racing 92 in Cork last weekend.

Gleeson was among the standout performers in that victory, scoring a try as Munster marked the tenth anniversary of Anthony Foley’s passing with an emotional win.

Injuries have undoubtedly contributed to Munster’s low representation. Jack Crowley, Tom Farrell, Calvin Nash and Michael Milne are among those who have been dealing with fitness issues, limiting Farrell’s options from the province.

Edwin Edogbo has also been sidelined, but has returned to training and could feature against Leinster this weekend.

Nevertheless, the final squad breakdown makes for difficult reading for Munster supporters, with Leinster contributing 17 players, Ulster nine and Connacht eight, compared to Munster’s two.

With Munster preparing to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, the squad announcement has added another talking point ahead of the interprovincial derby.

For Munster’s emerging players, the challenge now will be to continue delivering at provincial level and force their way into Farrell’s plans ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.