Farrell Announces Ireland's Lineup for the Guinness Men's Six Nations Opener in Paris
Head Coach Andy Farrell has unveiled the Ireland Match Day Squad, sponsored by Vodafone, for the highly anticipated Guinness Men's Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Thursday evening (8:10 p.m. Irish time).
Caelan Doris will captain the side as Ireland begins its 2026 Championship campaign at the iconic Stade de France.
The back three features Jamie Osborne, Tommy O'Brien, and Jacob Stockdale, while Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose form a dynamic midfield partnership. Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast take on the half-back roles.
In the pack, Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, and Thomas Clarkson man the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room. Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, and captain Doris form the formidable back row.
Farrell has a strong bench with Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, and Nick Timoney as forward replacements, and backs Craig Casey and Jack Crowley completing the Match Day 23.
Farrell expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance since their training camp in Portugal, stating, 'We've been working hard, and the Six Nations is a platform that brings out the best in our players.'
'We've played at the Stade de France many times, and it's an incredible atmosphere. The Irish fans are known for their passionate support, and it's a huge motivator for the team to have their backing,' he added.
The match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 and updates on irishrugby.ie's match center.
Ireland's Starting Lineup:
15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)
14. Tommy O'Brien (Blackrock College/Leinster)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)
- Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster)
- Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
- Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)
- Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)
- Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)
- Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)
- Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
- Caelan Doris (St. Mary's College/Leinster) (Captain)
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)
17. Michael Milne (UCD/Munster)
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)
19. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)
20. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
21. Nick Timoney (Queen's University/Ulster)
22. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)
23. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
