Andy Farrell has made a series of bold selection calls for Ireland’s 2026 Guinness Six Nations opener against France at the Stade de France on Thursday evening, with the Prendergast brothers set to start together in green for the first time and Jacob Stockdale recalled at the expense of the established James Lowe.

Key points:

• Cian and Sam Prendergast to start together for Ireland for the first time
• Jacob Stockdale earns first Six Nations start since 2021, replacing James Lowe
• Jeremy Loughman makes first Ireland appearance in two years amid loosehead crisis
• Tadhg Furlong fails to recover from calf injury; Thomas Clarkson starts at tighthead
• James Ryan dropped to bench as Farrell opts for 6-2 forward-heavy split
• Bundee Aki suspended for first three rounds following misconduct complaint

The Ireland head coach has been forced into wholesale changes by a mounting injury list, but several of his decisions appear to be matters of preference rather than necessity, setting up what promises to be one of the most fascinating selection narratives of the championship’s opening weekend.

Our team for Thursday night in Paris. pic.twitter.com/LhluJJnCL9

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 3, 2026

In all, there are seven alterations to the starting XV that suffered a 24-13 defeat to South Africa in Dublin last November, with an additional change to the matchday 23 as Farrell navigates a challenging path through injuries to key personnel and a suspension that has robbed him of one of his most influential midfielders.

Prendergast siblings set to create Six Nations history

The most eye-catching selection sees Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast promoted from the bench to start at blindside, where he will line up alongside his younger brother Sam, who retains the fly-half berth. It marks the first occasion the siblings have started a Test match together, adding a compelling family dimension to an already highly anticipated encounter.

Cian Prendergast’s elevation comes in the absence of the injured Ryan Baird, though Farrell had the option of shifting Tadhg Beirne to the back row and recalling James Ryan to the second row. Instead, Beirne remains at lock alongside Joe McCarthy, who returns after missing the November internationals following foot surgery, with Ryan consigned to a six-forward bench that underlines Farrell’s determination to match French physicality.

Stockdale recalled as Lowe is dropped

Perhaps the most contentious decision, however, is the omission of James Lowe from the starting lineup. The British and Irish Lion, who has been a near permanent fixture on the left wing since his debut in November 2020, loses his place to Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale, who has not started a Six Nations match since the final round of the 2021 championship.

Stockdale, 28, has been in sparkling form for Ulster this season and last played Test rugby in a World Cup warm-up against Samoa in August 2023. His recall represents something of a gamble by Farrell, though the winger’s proven ability to deliver on the biggest stages offers reason for optimism that his blistering provincial form can translate to the international arena.

Loosehead crisis forces Loughman into starting role

The front row has been heavily affected by Ireland’s injury woes, with all three first-choice looseheads — Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle — unavailable. Munster’s Jeremy Loughman, 30, will make his first Ireland appearance since February 2024 and only his sixth cap overall, having edged out provincial teammate Michael Milne for the starting berth.

At tighthead, Tadhg Furlong’s bid to recover from a calf injury has fallen short, meaning Thomas Clarkson will earn his tenth cap in what represents only his second Six Nations start. The 25-year-old Leinster prop made his championship debut off the bench against England in the opening round of last year’s tournament and started against Wales later in the campaign, but facing the formidable French scrum represents a significant step up in examination.

Dan Sheehan retains the hooker’s jersey, with the fit-again Rónan Kelleher providing experienced cover from the bench.

McCloskey steps in for suspended Aki in midfield

In midfield, Farrell has been forced to do without Bundee Aki, who is serving a four-game ban following a misconduct complaint. Stuart McCloskey, who started against both New Zealand and Australia during the Autumn Nations Series, partners Garry Ringrose in the centres in what will be his 24th cap for Ireland.

Jamie Osborne returns at full-back for his first appearance since sustaining a shoulder injury against Japan in November. The continued absence of Hugo Keenan, who fractured his hand in training last week, and Mack Hansen through injury has limited Farrell’s options, with Tommy O’Brien completing the back three on the right wing.

Sam Prendergast gets the nod ahead of Crowley

Sam Prendergast’s retention at fly-half represents a significant vote of confidence in the 22-year-old, who has kept the claims of both Jack Crowley and Harry Byrne at bay. Crowley takes his place on the bench alongside Munster half-back partner Craig Casey, while Byrne misses out entirely on the matchday 23.

The decision to opt for a 6-2 bench split — with Nick Timoney and Jack Conan providing additional back-row options alongside Ryan, Milne and Finlay Bealham — suggests Farrell is preparing for a physical battle in Paris. The omission of uncapped Munster lock Edwin Edogbo, despite positive reviews from Ireland’s training camp in Portugal, indicates the head coach has prioritised experience for this daunting assignment.

Caelan Doris once again captains the side from number eight, with Josh van der Flier continuing at openside flanker in what remains a formidable back row despite the enforced changes elsewhere.

Farrell backs squad ahead of daunting Paris test

Speaking ahead of the match, Farrell expressed satisfaction with his squad’s preparation while acknowledging the scale of the challenge that awaits in Paris.
“I’ve been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we’ve a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal as we face into an exciting test match against France,” the head coach said.

“The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players. We have played at the Stade de France many times and it’s a terrific stadium with an incredible atmosphere. We know from our experiences on the road how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be and it’s a huge motivator for the squad knowing that we have so many Irish supporters behind us.”

The match marks the beginning of Farrell’s seventh Six Nations campaign as Ireland head coach, though this one appears among the most challenging he has faced. The combination of injuries, suspension and questions over form following the November defeat to South Africa have created an unusual degree of uncertainty around Irish selections.

France, the reigning Six Nations champions following their title triumph last March, will provide an immediate examination of Ireland’s credentials. Les Bleus claimed a devastating 42-27 bonus-point victory in Dublin during last year’s championship, a result that ended Irish hopes of an unprecedented three consecutive titles.

Thursday’s encounter at the Stade de France kicks off at 8.10pm Irish time.

Ireland (v France):

Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast

Jamie George will captain England in their Guinness Six Nations opener against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with regular skipper Maro Itoje named on the bench for the first time in a championship fixture since his debut in 2016. The selection represents both a pragmatic response to personal circumstances and an endorsement of the depth Steve Borthwick has built within his squad.

Itoje missed the start of England’s training camp in Girona to attend the funeral of his mother, Florence, in Nigeria, joining up with the squad last Wednesday. His remarkable run of playing every minute of 30 consecutive Six Nations matches, stretching back six years, will come to an end, though Borthwick confirmed that Itoje will resume captaincy duties upon entering the field.

Ready for the first test 👊

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his 23-player match day squad to face Wales in our opening game of the @SixNationsRugby 🌹@O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 2, 2026

Key selection decisions

Alex Coles, who has enjoyed an outstanding season for Northampton Saints, earns promotion to the starting second row alongside Ollie Chessum. The selection rewards Coles’s excellent form during the autumn internationals, where he impressed in the victories that extended England’s winning streak to 11 consecutive Tests.

Perhaps the most eye-catching selection comes on the left wing, where Henry Arundell returns for his first England start since the 2023 World Cup bronze medal match against Argentina. The 23-year-old spent two years in the international wilderness while playing for Racing 92 in France but has rediscovered his electric form following a move to Bath, where he has scored nine tries in 14 appearances this season.

Arundell’s selection comes at the expense of Tom Roebuck, who is not yet fully fit after breaking his toe in November. The Bath wing boasts an impressive record of eight tries in 11 Test appearances and caught the eye with a fine late try against Fiji in his last England outing.

Borthwick has opted for an all-Northampton Saints centre pairing of Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, the same combination that featured in last year’s emphatic 68-14 victory over Wales in Cardiff. Freeman’s selection at outside centre, only his third Test start in that position, opens the door for Arundell’s inclusion and means Max Ojomoh misses out on the matchday 23 entirely.

Tactical considerations

The selection of Freddie Steward at full-back over George Furbank appears to be a tactical response to the expected Welsh kicking game. Borthwick was forthright in his assessment of the challenge ahead, stating: “We expect Wales to bring a kicking game, so we’ll need to be accurate in how we respond to that challenge.”

Steward’s aerial prowess and organisational skills under the high ball make him the natural choice against a Welsh side likely to feature Louis Rees-Zammit and employ a territory-based strategy. The Leicester Tigers full-back will be joined in the back three by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who was born in Cardiff and will face Wales for the first time in his international career.

The half-back combination of George Ford and Alex Mitchell remains unchanged from the autumn campaign, providing continuity and experience in the crucial decision-making positions. Ford, who serves as vice-captain alongside Ellis Genge, brings 105 caps of experience to the role.

Forward power

The front row sees Joe Heyes start at tighthead prop alongside Genge and George, with Borthwick opting for the Leicester prop ahead of other options. The back row remains unchanged from the November Tests, with the Bath duo of Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill packing down on the flanks alongside Saracens number eight Ben Earl.

The decision to retain Pepper at blindside flanker means Henry Pollock, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in English rugby, must continue to wait for his first Test start. The Northampton youngster will, however, provide explosive impact from the bench alongside Tom Curry, giving England formidable back-row options in reserve.

Formidable replacements

Borthwick has again named a remarkably strong bench featuring five British & Irish Lions. The 6-2 split of forwards to backs demonstrates confidence in the starting outside backs while providing substantial firepower to dominate the final quarter.

Itoje, Curry, Pollock and Luke Cowan-Dickie offer considerable forward reinforcement, while Marcus Smith provides versatile back-three cover. Ben Spencer rounds out the replacements as the back-up scrum-half. Bevan Rodd and Trevor Davison complete the front-row options, with Borthwick managing injury concerns at tighthead throughout the squad.

Championship context

England arrive at this fixture on the crest of an 11-match winning streak, their longest run since the 2016-17 season. Last year’s Six Nations saw them finish second behind champions France, with that stunning 68-14 demolition of Wales in Cardiff representing their most emphatic performance of the campaign.

Wales, by contrast, endured a torrid 2025, suffering 17 consecutive Test defeats and collecting back-to-back wooden spoons. Their losing streak in the Six Nations extended to 10 matches, though they showed improved performances under interim coach Matt Sherratt towards the end of the campaign.

Borthwick was bullish about England’s ambitions in the Twickenham changing rooms following their autumn campaign, stating his players are intent on travelling to Paris for the final weekend to “get what we want”. Such overt confidence represents a notable shift in tone from the England head coach.

The coach’s view

“England versus Wales is always a special occasion in the rugby calendar,” Borthwick said. “It’s a fierce rivalry with a long history, and one that brings a huge challenge every time we meet. For us, our focus is on executing our game plan and maintaining discipline throughout the match.

“We’re excited to get the Championship underway at a packed-out Allianz Stadium. The support we receive at home is outstanding and always gives the players a huge lift.”

England team to face Wales
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | Saturday 7 February | Kick-off 4.40pm

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 41 caps)
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 22 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
11. Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 105 caps) – vice-captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 27 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 75 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 105 caps) – captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 7 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 46 caps)

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 10 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
19. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 97 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 65 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 46 caps)

Bundee Aki will miss the first three matches of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign after being handed a four-match ban for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials following Connacht’s United Rugby Championship defeat to Leinster last Saturday.

Key headlines

• Bundee Aki has been banned for four matches following a misconduct complaint upheld by an independent disciplinary committee.
• The committee found Aki’s behaviour constituted “verbal abuse and disrespect” of match officials.
• The centre will miss Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures against France, Italy and England.
• Aki’s previous disciplinary record, including a similar incident in 2017, counted against him with the committee unable to apply mitigation.
• The ban adds to Ireland’s mounting selection crisis, with Hugo Keenan also ruled out after fracturing his thumb in training.

The 35-year-old centre appeared before an independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday afternoon, which found that he had “engaged with the match official team after the game on several occasions in a manner which breached the Disciplinary Rules.”

Aki was initially given a six-week suspension, but two of those weeks were suspended for two years, leaving an effective four-match ban. He will miss Connacht’s URC clash with Zebre Parma this Saturday, followed by Ireland’s opening three Six Nations fixtures against France, Italy and England.

The experienced centre will be available to return for Connacht against Glasgow in the URC on 28 February, meaning he could theoretically be recalled to the Ireland squad for the final two championship matches at home to Wales and Scotland in March.

Disciplinary ruling

A statement from the United Rugby Championship confirmed the full details of the ruling.

“A Misconduct Complaint made against Connacht Rugby’s Bundee Aki has been upheld by an Independent Disciplinary Committee resulting in a six-week suspension, two of which are suspended for two years,” the statement read.

“The Player today appeared in front of an Independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Roddy Dunlop KC (Scotland) and supported by Attie Heyns (South Africa) and Andrea Caranci (Italy), who considered the complaint related to Misconduct in breach of the United Rugby Championship’s Disciplinary Rules (including Clauses 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3).

“The Misconduct charges arose from the Round 10 BKT United Rugby Championship fixture on Saturday, January 24 at Dexcom Stadium, Galway. After considering all of the submissions, the Independent Committee deemed that the Player engaged with the match official team after the game on several occasions in a manner which breached the Disciplinary Rules.

“The Independent Committee concluded that the Player’s behaviour constituted verbal abuse and disrespect of a Match Official(s) under the relevant Rules. In determining its sanction, the Independent Committee felt that a suspension of six weeks was appropriate, with two of those weeks suspended.”

Previous record counts against Aki

Crucially, the committee acknowledged Aki’s expression of regret but noted his previous disciplinary history prevented any reduction in the sanction.
“The Committee also recognised the Player’s full regret for his actions and was grateful for the approach that he took towards the proceedings,” the statement continued. “However, given the player’s previous disciplinary record (including incidents of a similar nature) and his lack of a plea in this case, the Independent Committee could not apply mitigation to the sanction.

“The Committee also reminded the Player of the importance of the Spirit and values of the game of rugby and the importance of respect towards Match Officials. The Player was reminded of his right to appeal.”

Aki was handed a three-match suspension in 2017 for “behaviour to and remarks directed toward” referee Ian Davies during Connacht’s Pro12 defeat to Leinster, in a strikingly similar incident to the one that has now ended his hopes of featuring in Ireland’s opening fixtures.

The incident

During Connacht’s 34-23 defeat to Leinster at Dexcom Stadium, Aki came on as a replacement in both halves. At the end of an 11-minute spell as a temporary replacement for Cathal Forde in the first quarter, the centre was caught in the face by Leinster’s Charlie Tector and could be heard remonstrating with referee Eoghan Cross about the lack of a penalty.

The contact from Tector, while not an offensive hit, was arguably an incident that should have been raised by TMO Leo Colgan and resulted in a penalty and yellow card.

At one point during the match, Cross could be heard warning Connacht captain Cian Prendergast: “If I hear 22 or 23 speaking again, they’re going to be penalised.” The referee subsequently followed through on his warning, penalising Aki for repeatedly confronting him.

However, the misconduct charges specifically relate to Aki’s interactions with the match official team after the final whistle, rather than during the game itself.

Pattern of Irish player misconduct

Aki is the third high-profile Ireland international to have been cited in recent seasons for comments either to or about match officials, highlighting an ongoing concern that head coach Andy Farrell will need to address.

Just over a year ago, Aki’s Connacht team-mate Mack Hansen received a three-game suspension, reduced from six by attaching “a learning process,” for his criticism of the standard of officiating at a post-match press conference following a defeat to Leinster.

Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was also given a three-game suspension in 2023 for his conduct towards South African referee Jaco Peyper and his fellow officials in the aftermath of Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle.

Mounting selection crisis for Farrell

The ban is a significant blow to Andy Farrell as he prepares for his first Six Nations campaign since returning from his successful British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, where he guided the Lions to a 2-1 series victory.

Earlier on Wednesday, before the disciplinary outcome was known, the IRFU had already dropped Aki from the squad and confirmed he would not travel to their pre-tournament training camp in Portugal.

“The IRFU does not tolerate any form of disrespect shown towards match officials and does not condone actions that fall below the standards expected of players representing Irish rugby,” the IRFU statement read. “The IRFU are investigating the matter further internally and no additional comment will be made at this time.”
Ulster’s uncapped centre Jude Postlethwaite was called into the squad as Aki’s replacement.

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To compound matters, news emerged on the same day that full-back Hugo Keenan had fractured his thumb during training in Portugal. The 29-year-old Leinster player, who scored the series-clinching try for the Lions against Australia last summer, has not played since that tour due to hip surgery and was expected to return for the France opener. The average healing time for such an injury is four to six weeks, suggesting Keenan may struggle to take any part in the championship.

With Mack Hansen already ruled out for the tournament with a foot injury and Jamie Osborne not having played since the Japan match in November due to a shoulder problem, Ireland face a significant reshuffle in their back three.

Ireland have now lost five players from the original 37-man squad named by Farrell on 21 January: Jack Boyle (leg), Tom Ahern (neck), Bundee Aki (suspension), Hugo Keenan (thumb) and potentially Robert Baloucoune, who is being assessed after being withdrawn at half-time during Ulster’s defeat to the Scarlets.

A career at a crossroads?

The suspension raises questions about Aki’s international future. At 35, the New Zealand-born centre is in the twilight of his career and had been expected to make a final push to feature at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

A two-time British and Irish Lions tourist, Aki has been capped 68 times by Ireland since making his debut against South Africa in November 2017 and has won three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams. He was an ever-present in Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam success and played a key role in their historic first home victory over the All Blacks later that year.

He has remained fiercely loyal to Connacht since arriving from the Chiefs in 2014, having played a pivotal role in the province’s famous Pro12 triumph in 2016. Aki is renowned as one of the most popular figures among supporters, invariably the player who generates the most animated attention among younger fans and the one who stays on longest after training sessions or matches.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are widely expected to be Ireland’s starting centre pairing against France, with Tom Farrell, Jude Postlethwaite, Jamie Osborne and Ciarán Frawley providing additional midfield cover.

Whether Aki can force his way back into Farrell’s plans for the final two matches against Wales and Scotland, after missing the first three rounds and with younger players given an opportunity to stake their claim, remains to be seen. The manner of this suspension, combined with his advancing years, means the centre faces an uphill battle to add to his international career.

Ireland’s 2026 Six Nations Fixtures

Thursday 5 February: France v Ireland, Stade de France (8.10pm Irish time)
Saturday 14 February: Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium (2.10pm)
Saturday 21 February: England v Ireland, Allianz Stadium (2.10pm)
Friday 6 March: Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium (8.10pm)
Saturday 14 March: Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium (2.10pm)

Aki will be available for selection from Ireland’s fourth match against Wales on 6 March.