Ireland and France will get the 2026 Six Nations underway this Thursday – of all days – in the Stade de France.

Andy Farrell is set to name his team for the France game on Tuesday at 8am Irish time.

It’s set to be one of the most radically shaken-up matchday squads of the Farrell era, as a long list of injuries and one high-profile suspension mean Ireland will look much different compared to the team that lost to France at the Aviva last March.

Heading into the game, Farrell faces challenging calls over Ireland’s starting loosehead, outhalf and fullback.

We’ll include the team here once it’s named but reports on Monday have given a clear indication of the team Farrell is likely to select.

Who’s in the Ireland team for the visit to France?

A number of articles from Irish rugby reporters across Monday evening have been published with insight into Farrell’s thinking on the eve of the team announcement.

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There’s a consensus that Sam Prendergast will start at outhalf for Ireland. This is no great surprise considering how much Farrell has trusted the young Leinster ten in his short career.

However, Farrell looks set to make an interesting call with his wings. According to Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O’Connor in the Irish Independent, James Lowe – who has had the Ireland 11 jersey for years now – looks set to be dropped for the in-form Jacob Stockdale.

The same outlet says Jamie Osborne will get the nod at fullback.

Gerry Thornley in the Irish Times is amongst the reporters saying that Connacht’s Cian Prendergast is likely to start in the backrow, with Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy in the second row.

Both the Times and the Independent posit that the Ireland front row will be Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson.

Who’s out for Ireland v France?

According to both the Irish Times and Independent, Tadhg Furlong is set to lose his battle to be fit in time for Thursday’s game. It’s more likely we’ll see him against Italy on Saturday week.

How to watch Ireland v France

Ireland v France will kick-off at 8.1opm on Thursday. It will be broadcast on RTÉ and ITV.

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