Ireland's Head Coach, Andy Farrell, has unveiled the match day squad for the upcoming Bank of Ireland Nations Series clash against England at Aviva Stadium this Saturday (Kick-off: 5.30pm), a game that will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and Amazon Prime.
James Ryan starts as captain and is set to lead the team in their final home match prior to the Rugby World Cup. Keith Earls cpu;d potentially earn his 100th Test cap for Ireland if he takes the field from the replacements bench.
A significant milestone awaits Earls, who marked his debut for Ireland against Canada in November 2008. He stands on the brink of becoming the ninth Irish player to reach this remarkable century, joining illustrious names like Brian O’Driscoll (133), Ronan O’Gara (128), Cian Healy (124), Rory Best (124), Johnny Sexton (113), Paul O’Connell (108), John Hayes (105), and Conor Murray (105).
Our line up to face England at Aviva Stadium! 💪#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 17, 2023
The Ireland starting back three consists of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe, while Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose are poised to make their maiden appearances in the Bank of Ireland Nations Series as midfield pair. The half-back combination sees Ross Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park from Leinster start
Within the pack, the front row will feature Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong. The second row partnership comprises Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan, who will lead the team as captain for the eighth time. Peter O’Mahony will take on the blindside flanker role, with Josh van der Flier as openside, and Cian Prendergast securing his inaugural start for Ireland at number eight.
Rob Herring, Jeremy Loughman, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Caelan Doris, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and centurion Earls complete the Match Day 23.
Saturday’s match is live on RTÉ2 and Amazon Prime, while there are a limited number of tickets available to buy via Ticketmaster here.
Ireland's team to face England
Fullback 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger 14. Mack Hansen
Centres. 13. Garry Ringrose 12. Bundee Aki
Winger 11. James Lowe
Outhalf 10 Ross Byrne Scrumhalf 9. Jamison Gibson-Park
Front row 1. Andrew Porter 2. Dan Sheehan3. Tadhg Furlong
Second row 4 Tadhg Beirne 5. James Ryan
Back row 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Cian Prendergast
Replacements: 16. Rob Herring, 17. Jeremy Loughman, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Joe McCarthy, 20. Caelan Doris, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Keith Earls
