Six Nations 2026: Iain Henderson out of Ireland squad as Nathan Doak included

Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been left out of Ireland’s 37-strong squad for the Six Nations.

The second row, 33, made his Ireland debut in 2012 and has won 85 caps, including five Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.

Leinster prop Andrew Porter will miss the start of the Six Nations with a calf injury while Robbie Henshaw, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien are also sidelined.

Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu is also unavailable for selection, while wing Mack Hansen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury.

Munster back row Edwin Edogbo and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak are the two uncapped players in Andy Farrell’s squad.

Hugo Keenan has been named despite not featuring for Leinster or Ireland since the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer.

There is no place for former Ireland Rugby Sevens stars Zac Ward and JJ Kenny, who have impressed on the wing for Ulster and Leinster respectively but have not been selected by Farrell.

Ireland open their Six Nations campaign against holders France in Paris on Thursday, 5 February.

Farrell’s side then host Italy and visit England before two final matches in Dublin with Wales and Scotland.

Ireland won the Triple Crown in 2025 but finished third in the table behind France and England.

“I believe that we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks.

“The Six Nations is an incredible tournament which brings out the best in players, and I have no doubt that these fixtures will be keenly contested once more.”

Henderson, 33, returned on New Year’s Day from a back injury that had kept him out since November.

Despite a number of injuries over the years he has been a regular for Ireland both under Joe Schmidt and Farrell, and is a two-time British and Irish Lion in 2017 and 2021.