Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time when they face Georgia and Portugal in July, with 15 internationals absent due to the British and Irish Lions' tour.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell is preparing the Lions for three Tests against Australia in July and August, with a series of warm-up matches to come before the opener on July 19.

With Farrell's assistant Simon Easterby also present on the Lions tour, Paul O'Connell will take charge of a 32-man squad containing 11 uncapped players for two July Tests.

They include Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien, who have previously been in senior squads but never taken to the field, with Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin receiving maiden call-ups.

Prop Finlay Bealham and centre Stuart McCloskey are the only players aged over 30 to make the cut, with 26-year-old scrum-half Casey assuming the captaincy.

"I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July," O'Connell said as the squad was unveiled.

"A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it's important that everyone grasps the challenge that's ahead of them.

"Every moment on the training field and across the two-match series will count and there's a great opportunity for players to step up and impress."

Opportunity in green awaits this summer! #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/leUYcdJM9u

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 4, 2025