Paul O'Connell dismisses Leinster favouritism in Ireland squad selection

Paul O'Connell says he understands the frustrations of some supporters that Ireland’s squad is too heavily populated by Leinster players, but insists that he and the Ireland management will never pick a player based on who they play for.

Ireland’s 36-man squad for the Guinness Six Nations was once again dominated by Leinster players, with 23 players selected from the URC leaders, and just five each from Connacht and Munster, as well as three from Ulster.

When Ireland take on England next Saturday in their Guinness Six Nations opener at Aviva Stadium, between 10 and 12 of the starting team are likely to Leinster’s, while the majority of the bench will also be from Leo Cullen’s side.

It was put to O’Connell on Friday that there is a "perception" out there in the Irish rugby public that when it comes down to the marginal selection decisions, the Irish coaching staff lean favourably towards the province.

"I understand the perception, but it's never entered the conversation," the Ireland forwards coach (below) insisted, speaking from the team’s Algarve training camp.

"50/50s are really hard, there's always a bit of gut on it. A 50/50 is never decided on 'oh, he plays with such and such a player with his province’. We've never had that conversation.

"We're aware of it, that Leinster are very strong and win a lot of their games. We always talk when we're giving a player a chance that we want to give him a chance in a good team, to perform.

"Generally, when you get a chance with Leinster at the moment you get a chance in a good team. At the same time, I'm obviously an ex-Munster man and we'd plenty of tough battles with Leinster over the years."

While the blue domination of the Irish squad has been a talking point for several years, the