Ireland have named five uncapped players in their squad for this year's Guinness Six Nations, while Johnny Sexton has been confirmed as captain.

Ulster’s Billy Burns and Tom O’Toole, and the Leinster trio of Max Deegan, Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher are the new players to feature in the panel.

Development players Ryan Baird, Robert Baloucoune, Harry Byrne and Will Connors who will all train with the squad at the warm weather camp in Portugal and in the lead up to the opening game against Scotland on Saturday, 1 February at the Aviva Stadium.

Rhys Ruddock and Niall Scannell are among the players to miss out.

Ahead of his first game at the helm, Ireland coach Andy Farrell said: "We have appointed Johnny as captain for the Six Nations. You can see what it means to him and the enthusiasm he will bring to the role.

"He has been developing as a leader for a number of years with Ireland, Leinster and the Lions, and he will be a positive voice for the group.

"At the get together in December we challenged the players to put their hands up for selection and the coaches are really pleased with the performances in recent weeks.

"As we progress through the championship we will look to select sides that we believe are best suited to the task at the weekend.

"We will keep a close eye on the provincial performances in the Pro 14, not just for the players in the squad that will transition back for game minutes, but also for those players that were part of the wider selection discussions over the past few weeks."

Farrell said on his decision to bring in four development players: "The provinces are doing a great job in developing young talent and we feel there is an opportunity in the national set-up to support that work and get a better insight into some young players that have put in strong performances for their provinces.

"Ryan, Will, Harry and Robert will be the first ones to join the squad in this development role."

Ireland's Six Nations squad

Forwards: Max Deegan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jack McGrath (Ulster), Jack O'Donoghue (Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Josh Van Der Flier (Leinster).

Backs: Will Addison (Ulster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), Billy Burns (Ulster), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Andrew Conway (Munster), John Cooney (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Chris Farrell (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Dave Kearney (Leinster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).

Development players: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Robert Baloucoune (Ulster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Will Connors (Leinster).