Prendergast, Aki benched as stalwarts celebrate swansong
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has named his side for Saturday’s Six Nations Round Five clash against Italy in Rome
Ireland conclude their 2025 Championship campaign at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, with Caelan Doris named to captain the team and Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray included in the matchday squad for what will be their final appearances in green.
Hugo Keenan starts at fullback, with James Lowe and Mack Hansen returning to the back three.
Robbie Henshaw partners Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Jack Crowley comes into the team at flyhalf alongside Jamison Gibson-Park at scrumhalf.
In the pack, there is an unchanged front row as Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Finlay Bealham start, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne named in the engine room.
Jack Conan is named at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier is at openside and captain Doris completes the pack at No.8.
The fit-again Tadhg Furlong is in line for his first appearance of the Championship off the bench, joining forwards Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Joe McCarthy and O’Mahony among the replacements, as scrumhalf Murray, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki provide the backline reinforcements for Ireland.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “We have freshened things up a little this week in selection and it’s a great boost to welcome back some players from injury, alongside others who have patiently waited in the wings for their chance to start.
“We’re aware of Italy’s many threats and we know from experience that travelling to Rome presents a serious challenge, so the squad understands its responsibilities.
“A lot has been made about the various permutations at play, and it certainly makes for a dramatic day of international rugby.
“Our primary focus is on our performance and we are determined to finish our campaign on a positive note.”
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Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 4 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1. Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Tadgh Furlong, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Bundee Aki.
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off: 15.15 (14.15 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (France)
