Andy Farrell has laid his cards on the table for Ireland’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener against France, naming a strong matchday squad for Thursday night’s clash at the Stade de France.
Kick-off is at 8.10pm Irish time, and Ireland’s 2026 Championship campaign begins in about as tough an environment as the tournament can offer.
Caelan Doris will lead the side in Paris, captaining Ireland in a fixture that rarely needs extra hype. The Leinster number eight anchors a back row that also features Josh van der Flier and Cian Prendergast.
In the backs, Jamie Osborne is named at full-back, along with Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale while Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey link up in midfield.
At half-back, Jamison Gibson-Park partners Sam Prendergast. Up front, Farrell has opted for Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne forming the second row.
Ireland head to Paris knowing this opening night could set the tone for the entire championship.
