After Joe Schmidt made his decision for his 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, there were some definite notable omissions. However, there were some shocking ones who were left especially some who were regular starting players for Ireland. Let's take a look at who was omitted from the World Cup squad.
Devin Toner
The biggest surprise of omissions from the squad was Toner as he was an experienced second row player who was integral to the lineout. He was a constant presence in Schmidt's lineups ever since he took over the head coaching position. Jean Kleyn, with only two caps, surprisingly got his spot. Toner had dealt with injuries and the thought of that might be that he wasn't quite fit enough for the squad. Either way, it's a big downer that he is not with the team.
Jordi Murphy
Murphy had been a key member in the back row and looked to have locked down a job in the 31-man squad, but ultimately Schmidt did not think so. Rhys Ruddock was taken more for his leadership skills and having a great year. Murphy provides versatility, so that was a bit shocking to not see him make the team as some thought he was an absolute lock to make the squad.
Will Addison
Addison had been on the bubble, but there were some who thought he was going to make it with his recent decent play, but ultimately it went to Farrell. Farrell is talented, but injuries had hampered him the past. Addison provides some versatility, which Schmidt loves, but ultimately he did not make it.
Ross Byrne
While it was not a shock to many that he wasn't selected because of who was in front of him in the depth chart, he still is a quality player whom if they decided to add more depth at the flyhalf position would have been a good player to have. He still might get a chance, just as much as the others listed here, if a player goes down with an injury and gets called up. With Byrne's ability, it just goes to show how deep Ireland is at the flyhalf position.
John Cooney
Cooney may or may not have gotten a shot at playing for Ireland in Japan, but it was shocking to see him leapfrogged by Luke McGrath for the backup scrumhalf role (heck, it was even more shocking to see McGrath leapfrog Kieran Marmion) as Cooney was third in the depth chart and McGrath was fourth. Cooney is an exceptional scrumhalf and while it was not shocking to see him make the squad, it was shocking to see he lost a chance to a player who was below him in the pecking order.
Tommy O'Donnell
O'Donnell has fallen far in the depth chart and wasn't likely to make the squad, but he's another quality back row player. O'Donnell does provide some depth and could still make the squad if an injury occurs. He is also experienced which helps just in case something does happen, but this was likely his last chance at a World Cup.
Rob Herring
Herring was unlikely to make it simply because of how much he fell down the depth chart, but there was a chance to see if he would fill the third hooker role for the squad. Unfortunately for him it was not in the cards, but he could still make the squad if an injury occurs. He's a good player that unfortunately will not get a chance, but it just goes to show the depth Ireland has at the 2 jersey.
Jack McGrath
McGrath used to be a starting prop for Ireland, but in the last year he has seemingly been passed in the depth chart falling to third to fight for a chance at a backup role for the World Cup. He ultimately was not selected. His play has not been up to par and it's been really sad to see him fall from grace.
Kieran Marmion
This was another big surprise as Marmion was the second on the depth chart and he was passed over by McGrath who was fourth. Marmion is an excellent backup player at scrumhalf as he could fill in admirably if Murray is injured or substituted off and did so when Murray was out for the 2018 Fall Tests. So while Toner's omission was the biggest shock, Marmion's was interesting as well.
Dave Kearney
Rob Kearney's brother Dave will look like he will not get his chance to go to Japan. Kearney is versatile and experienced which would have come nicely for wanting to win the World Cup, but ultimately it was not in the cards for him. Apparently his partnership with his brother was not good enough for Schmidt to include him in the team.
Other Notables
Dan Leavy
Sean O'Brien
Leavy and O'Brien were injured so they never got the chance to show that they were ready to play in the World Cup. Had they not been injured they would've likely been in the squad and starting. Just an unfortunate blow for their chance to play in the World Cup.
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