Naas's Osborne to make Six Nations debut against Wales

Thu, 20 Feb, 2025 - 09:29

Jamie Osborne will make his Six Nations debut against Wales on Saturday against Wales after he was named in the starting XV by Ireland Coach Simon Easterby.

The Naas man made a try-scoring debut for Ireland during last summer's two test series in South Africa and has five caps to his name but he missed victories over England and Scotland in the opening games of this year's Six Nations but he now gets his chance at full back as one of seven changes made by Easterby for the trip to Cardiff for the Round 3 encounter.

Tadhg Beirne and Sam Prendergast unsurprisingly retain their places in the team, with Prendergast's older brother Cian named among the replacements, and he would also be making his Six Nations debut if introduced.

Dan Sheehan will captain the side for the first time, becoming the 111th Men's player to captain Ireland in a Test match.

Osborne partners James Lowe and the fit-again Mack Hansen in the back three, while Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are the midfield pairing for the trip to Cardiff.

Jamison Gibson-Park once again joins Prendergast as the half-back pairing.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson, who starts for Ireland for the first time, are named in the front row, with Joe McCarthy returning to fitness to partner Beirne in the second row.

Peter O'Mahony continues at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier is at openside and Jack Conan completes the Ireland starting team at number eight.

Leinster's Jack Boyle is in line for his Ireland debut should he come off the bench. Gus McCarthy could also make his Championship debut if used off the bench.

McCarthy, the uncapped Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan and Cian Prendergast are the forward replacements available to Easterby, with Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Bundee Aki the backline reinforcements.

Simon Easterby said: "Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us. With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support.

"There will also be a huge Irish travelling support which, when added to the closed roof and the great respect and rivalry between the two nations, will add to an electric atmosphere.

"We have made a few changes to the squad this week, some of which were enforced, and we’re confident that the 23 we have selected are primed and ready to go. Dan Sheehan's selection as captain is recognition of his high standing within the squad, both on and off the pitch. I have no doubt that he will relish the opportunity to lead Ireland for the first time.

"Equally, I would also like to congratulate Jack Boyle on his inclusion in the Match Day Squad for the first time. Jack has impressed for his province, Leinster, and in the national training camps over the last number of months and he is a young forward with a bright future."

Saturday's match, which kicks off at 2.15pm, is live on Virgin Media One and BBC One, while there is live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland (v Wales):

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(5)

14. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(26)

13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(65)

12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(79)

11. James Lowe (Leinster)(38)

10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(5)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(40)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(72)

2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(captain)(29)

3. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)(4)