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19th December 2025
03:35pm GMT
With all the talent coming through in Irish rugby at the minute, we thought we'd celebrate it by putting together a XV of the players with the most potential.
From being one of the few unused players on this year's summer tour to starring in the loose against South Africa, McCarthy has enjoyed the best leap of any Irish player over the past few months.
If his scrummaging keeps improving, he will overtake Andrew Porter as Ireland's No 1.
The Ulsterman is the most established player in the team with five Ireland caps, but is still only 24.
An injury-free run could see him reach new heights.
The fact that he has a senior contract with Leinster despite never having played a URC or Champions Cup game tells you all you need to know.
Bernard Jackman said of him: "Niall Smyth, the tighthead from Blackrock College - he was Gus McCarthy's teammate. He is special... he is the next Tadhg Furlong.
"He had his shoulder operated on last month so we won't see him for a while - he might be back in time for the summer tour.
"Clarkson is amazing, Boyle is really good as are all those lads we know about but Niall Smyth is the next Gus McCarthy-type to come from nowhere, fast."
The prototype of player that Ireland are crying out for.
Andy Farrell is clearly a fan, having selected him to join the Ireland squad in November.
Given Tom Ahern's injury record, we have opted for the lesser-known Leinster giant.
Standing at 6ft 10in and weighing 138kg, his intangibles are too hard to ignore.
A cruel ACL injury stopped his steep rise in its tracks.
Before his bad luck, he had already established himself as first-choice at Ulster.
The Munster prodigy is built in the mould of David Wallace and Seán O'Brien, with fierce carrying and breakdown skills.
Once he breaks into his province's first-choice 23, there will be no going back.
One of the best talents this country has ever produced and arguably our best-ever U20s player.
He was being fast-tracked into the Irish setup before a fractured elbow cut him down earlier this season.
Ben Murphy, Fintan Gunne and Nathan Doak are all worthy options here.
Devine has shown game-breaking ability that the others haven't.
The next man off the rank on the Leinster No 10 production line.
He looks to have it all; a running game, playmaking, and loves a big hit.
Although he is already 27, he is young in terms of professional XVs, having been promoted after his stunning performances for the 7s at the Paris Olympics.
He needs to be capped by Ireland sooner rather than later.
Along with Ward, he has been Ulster's outstanding back this season.
Given the age of Ireland's first-choice centres, a Six Nations debut is looking on the cards.
The Connacht man was being fast-tracked to the Ireland team and scored two tries on his debut against Portugal this summer.
His progress stalled somewhat at the start of this season but he looks to be getting back to his best in recent weeks.
A large specimen who has been causing havoc out wide for multiple seasons in the URC.
Is clearly liked by the Ireland management, but is struggling to break through the established guard.
The definition of silky, with a massive boot to boot.
Is also struggling given Munster's depth at 15.
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