Andy Farrell admits newly announced Munster's Player of the Year Jack O'Donoghue was among those close to making his Ireland squad for New Zealand but lost out due to the competitive nature of the back row options.
Farrell named his 40 man panel earlier today and it included five uncapped players and 12 players who have less than 10 caps each.
But there was no room for Waterford man O'Donoghue, who was one of the Reds' best performers over the course of the season.
O'Donoghue won the second of his two Ireland caps in 2017.
The 28-year-old skippered Munster 12 times out of 23 appearances, won two player of the match awards and ended the season as Munster's joint top try scorer with nine tries.
"Everyone is in contention, especially the guys who are playing well and Jack is obviously one of them," said Farrell.
"He's in a very competitive position, and you look across at who has been selected, I don't think you could complain about any of those who have been selected either.
"They're conversations that have been happening over the last few days, and like always it's tough because they all wanted to make the tour.
"It was all 100% sure of their goals in the season, to perform well, to get on this tour because they can see what it means to Irish rugby.
"They want to be part of it. We've picked a 40-man squad which is the biggest squad that we've picked because of the schedule.
"They know - the players who have missed out, and the injured players, and the guys who have been picked - that this is the opportunity to show what they're about under extreme pressure, to see whether they can perform at the highest level, and see whether they earn the right to carry on into next year which is a World Cup year."
Asked if there was a standby list, Farrell replied: "We know all the players, what their plans are with their clubs, some clubs are wrapping up this week, some clubs already wrapped up and some lads are heading on holiday.
"We're aware of where people are."
Munster's Women's Player of the Year is Nicole Cronin and the Academy Player of the Year is Alex Kendellen.
