Bring him in.

Tadhg Beirne is a man on a mission this season. After a massive breakout campaign last year, winning the PRO12 with Scarlets, the former Leinster recruit has taken his game to a whole other level this year.

He’s been arguably the best lock in the PRO14 this season, and his last two weekends in Europe have been incredible. Beirne was sensational against Bath, and even better against Toulon in a man-of-the-match performance. He was even nominated for European Player of the Year today.

The question however, still remains… Why the hell hasn’t he been picked by Joe Schmidt? You can argue it’s because he currently plays in Wales, but the fact that he’s committed to returning to Ireland with Munster should debunk that. Simon Zebo has been cast out early. Why can’t Beirne be brought in early by the same accord?

Former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll agrees. Speaking on Off The Ball yesterday morning, O’Driscoll says he doesn’t see why the Ireland head coach wouldn’t put him in now.

“I don’t see why Joe Schmidt wouldn’t put him in now. Is he thinking that he is happy with his second row combinations? Maybe but you’d have to imagine that on current form that he definitely would be in that mix for a spot in the 23,” said Brian of Beirne.

“All of the Welsh players that have played in the Scarlets absolutely loved him as a player, thought he was an exceptionally good guy, great team-mate so he added a huge amount to the Scarlets and continues to do so. You’d wonder, why wait until the summer just to make a point of not selecting players that are away from home.”

He also pointed that in Beirne’s case, his departure from Irish shores was down to a search for game-time and an opportunity to play rather than financial motives or otherwise. He also reckons Beirne is good enough for not only a spot in the squad, but possibly the matchday 23.

“I think on current form, he is very worthy of a spot, possibly in the 23 right now.”