England team to play Ireland: Henry Pollock starts

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 14:45

byRugby Rucker

Maro Itoje will win his 100th England cap on Saturday as Steve Borthwick names his side to face Ireland in a mouth-watering Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash at Allianz Stadium (kick-off 2.10pm, live on ITV1).

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

Saturday’s showdown will mark the 144th meeting between the old rivals, a fixture that has been played since 1875.

England make three changes to the starting XV beaten by Scotland in round two, with Ollie Lawrence, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock all coming into the side. For Pollock, it will be a first Test start in an England shirt.

On the bench, Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith are included as part of a 6-2 split.

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Itoje joins England’s centurions

Itoje will become just the ninth man to reach 100 caps for England, joining an illustrious group of internationals:

Ben Youngs (127)
Dan Cole (118)
Jason Leonard (114)
Owen Farrell (112)
George Ford (107)
Jamie George (107)
Courtney Lawes (105)
Danny Care (101)

Borthwick paid tribute to his captain’s landmark moment.

“We’re expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and we’re excited for it,” said Borthwick.

“We know the challenge Ireland will bring and we’ve selected a side that we believe has the right balance to meet it.”

On Itoje’s milestone, he added:

“To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro’s consistency and professionalism over many years.

“He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We’re all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family.”

England team to face Ireland

Saturday 21 February 2026
Allianz Stadium
Kick-off: 2.10pm

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 43 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 37 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
11. Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 107 caps) – vice-captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 29 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 77 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 55 caps)
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 99 caps) – captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 32 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 67 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 48 caps)
8. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)

Replacements

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 107 caps) – vice-captain
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 12 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
20. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
21. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 47 caps)
22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 47 caps)