Andy Farrell, the head coach for Ireland, has modified his squad by introducing five new players in preparation for their Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy this Saturday, aiming for a strong comeback.
Caelan Doris will lead the team as captain once more, and Edwin Edogbo, a second-row player from Munster, is poised to make his international debut, having been selected for the substitute bench. This 21-year-old athlete has shown remarkable form during training and has recently recovered from a significant injury, marking three tries in nine outings for his regional team this season.
Jamie Osborne will maintain his position at full-back, whereas Rob Baloucoune is slated to experience his inaugural Six Nations appearance on the wing, playing alongside James Lowe. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose maintain their roles in the central attacking positions. Craig Casey is introduced into the primary lineup, forming a half-back partnership with Sam Prendergast.
The forward trio consisting of Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, and Thomas Clarkson will remain as before. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan will continue their partnership in the second row. Cormac Izuchukwu is set to begin his first Six Nations match as a blindside flanker, with Doris shifting to openside, and Jack Conan taking the field as number eight.
Tadhg Furlong is back from injury, securing a spot among the reserves, where he will be joined by Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne, and Nick Timoney. Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley will serve as reinforcement for the backline.
Andy Farrell commented: “This Saturday offers a tremendous chance for us, playing before a full house at Aviva Stadium. Our encounters with Italy have been quite competitive over the past few years, and this Saturday’s match is expected to follow suit. We understand the necessity of performing at a consistently elevated level, and that is the thrilling hurdle before us. Training this week has shown a good response, and we intend to maintain this momentum heading into the weekend.”
“While I congratulate all 23 individuals on their inclusion, I want to specifically acknowledge Edwin [Edogbo] for his initial call-up to the national senior squad. Emerging from the club scene with Cobh Pirates and UCC, he has consistently displayed genuine talent in his matches for Munster and during our recent training sessions. Our goal is to ensure this is a memorable occasion for Edwin, his relatives, and everyone who has supported his development so far.”
Irish squad facing Italy:
15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(11)
14. Robert Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster)(4)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(70)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(24)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(43)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(14)
9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(25)
1. Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster)(6)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(36)
3. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)(11)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(20)
5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(77)
6. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(3)
7. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)(captain)(56)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(56)
Substitutes:
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(44)
17. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(17)
18. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(82)
19. Edwin Edogbo (UCC/Munster)*
20. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(66)
21. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster)(7)
22. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(47)
23. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(31).
