Ireland team to play England: 2025 Six Nations
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Ireland team to play England as Simon Easterby hands Six Nations debut to rising star.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Ireland have unveiled their squad for Saturday's Six Nations opener against England, with interim head coach Simon Easterby backing young fly-half Sam Prendergast for his tournament debut.
With Johnny Sexton now retired, Prendergast will pull the strings at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs. Captain Caelan Doris leads from number eight, as Ireland look to kick off their title defence in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
Backline packed with firepower
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe form a lethal back three, while Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose continue their tried-and-tested midfield partnership.
Power-packed forward unit
Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, and Finlay Bealham pack down in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne locking the scrum. Ryan Baird gets the nod at blindside, Josh van der Flier starts at seven, and skipper Doris anchors the pack.
Easterby: 'We're ready for the challenge'
Easterby has faith in his squad, stating:
"We've had a strong week of preparation in Portugal, and I've been hugely impressed by the effort across the board. England have talent all over the park, so we'll need to be at our best from the first whistle."
Ireland boast a strong bench, with Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, and Iain Henderson among the experienced names ready to make an impact.
Kick-off is set for 4.45pm on Saturday, live on Virgin Media One (ROI) and ITV (UK).
Ireland team to play England:
15. Hugo Keenan (42)
14. Mack Hansen (25)
13. Garry Ringrose (63)
12. Bundee Aki (60)
11. James Lowe (36)
10. Sam Prendergast (3)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (38)
1. Andrew Porter (70)
2. Rónan Kelleher (37)
3. Finlay Bealham (46)
4. James Ryan (67)
5. Tadhg Beirne (56)
6. Ryan Baird (23)
7. Josh van der Flier (68)
8. Caelan Doris (captain, 47)
Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (27)
17. Cian Healy (134)
18. Thomas Clarkson (2)
19. Iain Henderson (84)
20. Jack Conan (46)
21. Conor Murray (120)
22. Jack Crowley (19)
23. Robbie Henshaw (77)
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