Six Nations 2025: Ulster’s McNabney handed ‘huge opportunity’ – Ferris
Former Ireland and Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris says James McNabney must cherish the opportunity after being selected as a development player for Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
The 21-year-old Ulster back-rower will travel to Portugal for a pre-match training camp ahead of the team’s opening game against England on February 1.
“It’s an interesting choice because he’s certainly not the first choice in the Ulster back row,” Ferris said.
“He’s very, very good on the ball. He’s very quick. He’s a big man too. That’s something we’ve been craving in Ulster and sometimes in Ireland.”
“It’s a huge opportunity for him. He’s got to go out there and enjoy it. You don’t go to an Ireland camp and think you’re a development player and just hide in the back and not say much. You definitely want to get into it. ”
Uncapped Leinster prop Jack Boyle is Selected in Simon Easterby’s squadThe 36-man squad made up of three Ulster players – Iain Henderson, Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu – was announced on Wednesday.
“Obviously it’s very similar to the familiar faces that we’re all familiar with who have represented Ireland and its province over the last five or six seasons.
“They have a lot of players behind a team that’s doing really well. All in all, (I’m) very pleased, there’s a lot of experience and a lot of players are clearly at the top of their game.
“I don’t think there’s anyone left out who, you would say, should be nailed. I think the likes of Stuart McCloskey or Jude Postlethwaite might be unlucky at center.”
