Sam Prendergast and Cian Prendergast have been named in the Ireland team to play France on Thursday night. In all, there are seven changes to the starting XV, and eight to the matchday 23, for Thursday night’s Six Nations opener against France in Paris (kick-off 8.10pm Irish time). Joe McCarthy returns after missing the November Tests after a foot operation, with James Ryan shifting to a 6-2 bench. We have played at the Stade de France many times and it’s a terrific stadium with an incredible atmosphere. Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.

Source: The Irish Times February 03, 2026 18:53 UTC