Ireland’s likely Six Nations squad ahead of Wednesday’s announcement

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is set to name his first Six Nations squad of the year at lunchtime on Wednesday.

The New Zealander has been known for naming a larger squad than rival coaches, preferring to get as many players away from the provinces as possible before paring down in the days before matches. In the lead-up to games, with the first a home tie against Wales on February 7, Schmidt will refine his squad but expect next week's announcement to be a biggie. Schmidt will also name his captain for the upcoming campaign, with Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton all vying for the role. At present, Best seems to be leading the way for that appointment. A number of Connacht players would have hoped to force their way into the Six Nations picture but they have faltered of late, losing fives games on the spin. Munster are in worse shape having lost six of their last eight games. Leinster have hit some domestic form and Ulster are the stand-out Irish province, having turned over Oyonnax and Toulouse, away from home, in recent weeks. Below are the names of 46 players that have the best chance of making Schmidt's extended squad, with the current favourites for the 35-man squad in bold.