Jack Crowley returns to the starting line-up as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell makes five changes to his XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England at Allianz Stadium.
Crowley is handed the fly-half jersey after making a strong impact from the bench in last weekend’s win over Italy. Sam Prendergast, who started Ireland’s opening defeat to France and the victory over the Azzurri, drops out of the matchday squad altogether, with Farrell instead opting for the versatility of Ciaran Frawley among the replacements.
The Munster playmaker will form a revised half-back partnership with Jamison Gibson-Park, as Craig Casey moves to the bench. Crowley’s recall follows a mixed showing from Prendergast against Italy, while Farrell publicly backed the 26-year-old’s contribution after he replaced him, describing Crowley’s performance as “outstanding”.
Ireland also welcome back three-time British and Irish Lion Tadhg Furlong at tight-head prop after he returned from a calf injury against Italy. In the back row, captain Caelan Doris shifts back to his preferred number eight role, with Tadhg Beirne and Josh Van der Flier named on the flanks. Jack Conan and Cormac Izuchukwu make way.
Farrell has also adjusted his bench balance, switching from a 6–2 split to five forwards and three backs. British and Irish Lion Finlay Bealham returns to provide tight-head cover, alongside Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Conan among the forward replacements. Wing Tommy O’Brien joins Casey and Frawley as the backline options.
Both Ireland and England come into the contest with one win from their opening two matches. England, coached by Steve Borthwick, are seeking a response after last weekend’s Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.
Crowley’s elevation is not unexpected. He started just one game in last year’s Six Nations despite playing every minute of Ireland’s triumphant 2024 campaign, and now has another chance to stake his claim on a big stage. Prendergast, meanwhile, will be disappointed to miss out entirely, but Farrell stressed the long-term nature of his development.
“Sam’s a fantastic international player and he’s on a journey, and that learning never stops,” Farrell said. “That’s the same for Ciaran Frawley. We’ve talked all along about competition and getting the right balance for the team this weekend.”
The remainder of Ireland’s backline is unchanged. Garry Ringrose again partners the in-form Stuart McCloskey in midfield, despite Ringrose finishing the Italy game with strapping on his knee. Jamie Osborne, James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune form the back three, with Baloucoune retaining his place after scoring on his Six Nations debut.
Up front, Jeremy Loughman and Dan Sheehan complete the front row alongside Furlong, while James Ryan and Joe McCarthy are retained in the second row. Lock Edwin Edogbo is not selected following an IRFU investigation into racist abuse directed at him online after his debut against Italy.
“As always, selection is about the right balance for where we’re at and who we’re playing against,” Farrell said. “A few lads have been promoted from the bench, some fresh faces have come in, and it’s given us different combinations.”
Ireland lost 23–22 on their last visit to Allianz Stadium two years ago but edged England 27–22 in Dublin last season, setting the stage for another tight contest on Saturday.
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