Wing Ward has been on trial with Ulster after impressing in Ireland's Sevens campaign at the Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old is one of six Ulster players named in the squad along with Cormac Izuchukwu, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Jude Postlethwaite and Jack Murphy.

Munster's Alex Kendellen, who previously captained Ireland U20s, has been named as Tour captain by head coach Simon Easterby, who has taken over the position from Andy Farrell while he travels with Lions Tour in 2025.

Ireland have named their white-ball squads for the upcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates. The series marks Ireland's return to limited-overs cricket after their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. In a prominent move, Andrew Balbirnie wasn't picked in the T20I squad, and was confirmed to open the batting in ODIs.

Ireland will look at their forthcoming ODI and T20 series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi as "the start of a new cycle".

Emerging Ireland will play the Pumas on October 2nd, the Western Force on October 6th and the Cheetahs on October 9th.

There are eight Munster representatives in the squad, while Leinster's Sam Prendergast and Ulster and Ireland Sevens player Zac Ward are also included.

AFTER some blistering performances in Paris during the summer, Ireland sevens star Zac Ward has been named in the squad for Emerging Ireland’s tour of South Africa.Wing Ward – son of former Ireland star Andy - has been on trial with Ulster after impressing in Ireland’s Olympic campaign.