Ireland v Japan: Caelan Doris named to start as Tadhg Beirne returns


Ireland captain Caelan Doris has been named to start in Saturday’s autumn international against Japan in Dublin.

The Leinster back row returned from injury as a replacement during last week’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand but is deemed fit to start as head coach Andy Farrell rings the changes from their trip to Chicago.

Joining him in the back row are Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, with Ulster’s Nick Timoney at openside.

Tadhg Beirne, whose early red card following a bunker review against the All Blacks was subsequently rescinded, is back in the second row alongside James Ryan.

However, Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey, who picked up a groin injury in Ireland’s autumn opener, is not part of the matchday squad with Munster’s Tom Farrell selected to make his test debut alongside Robbie Henshaw.

Jacob Stockdale will win his 40th cap as he returns on the wing for the first time since picking up a shoulder injury in the summer test against Georgia.

The half-backs see Craig Casey get the nod to partner Munster team-mate Jack Crowley, while Ronan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson come into the front row alongside Andrew Porter who retains his place from the defeat by New Zealand.

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan the forward replacements, while Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide the backline reinforcements.

Ireland: J Osborne; T O’Brien, T Farrell , R Henshaw, J Stockdale; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, R Kelleher, T Clarkson; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird , N Timoney, C Doris (capt)

Replacements: G McCarthy, P McCarthy, F Bealham, C Prendergast, J Conan, C Blade, S Prendergast, J O’Brien.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    From Vonn to Goepper, age is just a number at the 2026 Olympics

    Alyssa RoenigkFeb 4, 2026, 08:07 AM ET Close Alyssa Roenigk is a senior writer for ESPN whose assignments have taken her to six continents and caused her to commit countless…

    ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Pakistan & Bangladesh tensions explained

    Bangladesh had asked for their games to be switched from India, citing safety concerns amid growing tensions between the countries. Relations between the South Asian neighbours have soured since former…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Get a 50% bonus by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy

    Get a 50% bonus by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy

    Feds to fold envoys on Islamophobia, antisemitism into new national unity council

    Feds to fold envoys on Islamophobia, antisemitism into new national unity council

    Government expected to announce it’s scrapping EV mandate in favour of new fuel efficiency system: source

    Government expected to announce it’s scrapping EV mandate in favour of new fuel efficiency system: source

    Rubio says U.S. is still open to Iran talks as tensions rise

    Tinder looks to AI to help fight ‘swipe fatigue’ and dating app burnout

    Tinder looks to AI to help fight ‘swipe fatigue’ and dating app burnout

    From Vonn to Goepper, age is just a number at the 2026 Olympics

    From Vonn to Goepper, age is just a number at the 2026 Olympics