In a bold response to the recent thrashing by France, Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell has implemented significant changes to his squad for the upcoming match against Italy. Despite his shaky performance in Paris, fly-half Sam Prendergast retains his spot, while Farrell introduces fresh faces and rearranges positions in a daring revamp of his team.
Farrell's reshuffle sees six new starters take the field. Notably, Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Beirne have been sidelined from the starting XV. Van der Flier is excluded entirely from the matchday squad, whereas Beirne will contribute from the bench. Stepping up to the starting lineup are James Ryan and Joe McCarthy as locks, with Cormac Izuchukwu filling in the back-row. The shift also moves Caelan Doris to openside and positions Jack Conan at number eight, following his impressive stint off the bench against France.
The backline witnesses its fair share of adjustments. James Lowe returns to action, replacing a dropped Jacob Stockdale on the wing. Robert Baloucoune also gets a nod, rounding out the back three with Jamie Osborne. Half-back sees Craig Casey stepping in for Jamison Gibson-Park, partnering with the under-fire Prendergast.
Furthermore, the bench reflects a strategic 6-2 split favoring forwards, including the return of Tadhg Furlong and the debut call-up for young lock Edwin Edogbo, spotlighting his rapid ascent from club rugby to the international stage.
"Saturday provides us with a great opportunity in front of a packed home crowd at Aviva Stadium. We’ve had some great battles against Italy in recent years and Saturday will be no different,"
Farrell expressed, highlighting the significance of the clash and the squad’s readiness."In congratulating all of the 23 on their selection, I would like to single out Edwin [Edogbo] on his first selection for the senior team. A product of the club game with Cobh Pirates and UCC, he has shown real quality in his performances for Munster and in training with us over recent times. We will aim to make it a special day for Edwin, his family and all those who have played a part in his journey to date."
Ireland team v Italy:
Starting XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Caelan Doris, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tom Clarkson, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Jeremy Loughman
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Tadhg Beirne, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Jamison Gibson-Park, 23 Jack Crowley
Date: Saturday, 14 February, 2026
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 14:10 GMT
Referee: Holl