Ireland team to play Italy: Sam Prendergast starts

Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 14:12

byTom Sansom

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland team to play Italy at a sold-out Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 2.10pm).

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Ireland return home for their first 2026 Championship clash in Dublin, with Caelan Doris named to captain the side once again and Munster's uncapped second row Edwin Edogbo in line for his Test debut in green off the bench.

Munster lock Edwin Edogbo is poised to make his Test debut after being named among the replacements. The uncapped second row has impressed the coaching team in camp in recent weeks and earns a place in the Matchday 23 having marked his return from a lengthy injury lay-off with three tries in nine appearances for Munster this season.

In the back three, Jamie Osborne continues at full-back, with Rob Baloucoune set for his Six Nations debut on one wing and James Lowe selected on the other. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are retained in midfield, while Craig Casey partners Sam Prendergast at half-back.

Up front, the front row of Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson remains unchanged. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue their partnership in the second row. Cormac Izuchukwu is handed a start at blindside flanker for his Six Nations debut, with Doris shifting to openside and Jack Conan named at number eight.

There is further experience among the replacements, with Tadhg Furlong returning to fitness to take his place in the Matchday 23. He is joined on the bench by Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney as the forward cover. Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley provide the backline reinforcements.

Commenting ahead of Saturday, Andy Farrell said: "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. We know we have to reach a consistently high standard and that's the exciting challenge that awaits us. There has been a positive reaction in training this week and we’ll aim to keep on building into the weekend.

"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."

Saturday's match is live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with live radio commentary is available on RTÉ Radio 1.