Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad for the final round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, with Scotland travelling to a sold-out Aviva Stadium in Dublin this Saturday (kick-off 2.10pm).
Captain Caelan Doris will once again lead the side as Ireland aim to finish their championship campaign strongly in front of a packed home crowd during St Patrick’s weekend.
Ireland’s back three sees Jamie Osborne, Rob Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien selected, while Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue their partnership in midfield. The half-back pairing remains Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley, who link up again to guide the attack.
In the forwards, Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong form the front row. Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne are named in the second row, while the back row sees Jack Conan at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside and Doris at number eight.
Ireland also have a number of experienced options on the bench. Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray — who could make his Six Nations debut — and Nick Timoney are named among the forward replacements. Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki provide the backline cover.
James Ryan was not considered for selection due to a calf injury.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Farrell said the squad were relishing the opportunity to play in front of a full home crowd with plenty at stake.
“It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed Aviva Stadium with a trophy up for grabs. We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence. You’ll see two teams who like to attack and we’ll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want. When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest.”
Saturday’s match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with radio commentary available on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ireland (v Scotland):
15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(14)
14. Rob Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster)(7)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(73)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(27)
11. Tommy O’Brien (Blackrock College/Leinster)(8)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(34)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(50)
1. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(20)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(38)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(85)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(23)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(69)
6. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(58)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(78)
8. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)(captain)(59)
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(47)
17. Michael Milne (Nenagh Ormond/Munster)(4)
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(56)
19. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht)(2)
20. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster)(10)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(27)
22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(11)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(68).
Away from the Six Nations, Ireland’s schedule for the inaugural Nations Championship has also been confirmed, with fixtures taking place later this year.
Ireland will begin their Northern Series under Friday night lights at the Aviva Stadium on November 6, when they face Argentina. The last meeting between the sides came in 2024, when Ireland edged a 22-19 win in a closely contested match.
A week later, Ireland host Fiji on November 14. The teams last met in 2024, when Ireland recorded a 52-17 victory, scoring eight tries in a dominant performance.
The final home game of the series sees world champions South Africa return to Dublin on November 21, following their powerful win during their most recent visit.
After the three home fixtures, Farrell’s side will travel to London for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend, which takes place from November 27 to 29 at Allianz Stadium. Their opponent will be determined by their final position in the combined Northern and Southern Hemisphere standings.
Ireland will also compete in the Southern Series during the summer, with three major tests scheduled:
Australia v Ireland – Saturday, July 4, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Japan v Ireland – Saturday, July 11 (venue TBC)
New Zealand v Ireland – Saturday, July 18, Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off times and ticket details for the November fixtures at the Aviva Stadium are expected to be confirmed soon, with Supporters Club members likely to receive early access before a general sale in July.
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