Caelan Doris will lead Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday with Jack Crowley at out-half after Sam Prendergast is left out; the match kicks off at 2.10pm
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Farrell names Ireland matchday squad to face England at Twickenham
Andy Farrell has named the Ireland matchday squad to face England at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Kick-off is scheduled for 2.10pm. The selection was published 20/02/2026.
The squad hands the captaincy to Caelan Doris. Jack Crowley replaces Sam Prendergast at out-half. The change follows scrutiny of Prendergast’s recent form and aims to provide Ireland with the best combination to challenge England on their home turf.
The back three remains largely unchanged. The forward pack emphasises experience and continuity. Farrell’s selection balances leadership, ball-carrying and tactical kicking to meet the specific challenges England are expected to present at Twickenham.
Supporters are travelling in force to the fixture.
The coaching staff said the squad was chosen with both immediate impact and squad depth in mind.
I’ve seen too many teams make reactive switches that disrupt cohesion. This pick prioritises steady decision-making under pressure and a clear plan for territory and phase play.
Leadership, selection decisions and tactical intent
The matchday selection emphasises physicality and structure behind a clear territorial plan. Caelan Doris will marshal the back row with a dual remit: set a contact tone and direct the gainline. Head coach Andy Farrell has signalled an intent for an aggressive carry game paired with a cohesive defensive framework.
Selection choices prioritise front-foot platforms and lineout security. The inclusion of established operators in the engine room, including Joe McCarthy and James Ryan, aims to secure clean ball and provide a stable platform for phases. Bench options mix forwards and backs to sustain intensity across the full 80 minutes.
I’ve seen too many teams mismanage momentum, so this pick favours players who make steady decisions under pressure. The coaching staff have built a squad capable of controlling territory while manufacturing phases close to the opposition line.
Ultimately, the choices reflect a strategic balance: robust set-piece delivery, a physical carrying threat, and interchange plans designed to maintain tempo and defensive cohesion throughout the game.
Out-half change and game management
The selection moves the focus onto control of territory and tempo. Jack Crowley has been chosen for his goal-kicking accuracy and calm under pressure. Game management in this context means controlling territory, varying tempo and making tactical kicking choices in test match conditions.
The starting combination pairs Crowley with Jamison Gibson-Park at nine to blend quick delivery from the base with structured territorial kicking. That balance aims to exploit space behind the England defensive line while reducing turnover risk from hurried service.
Coaches expect the pairing to deliver a dependable kicking platform and to manage scoreboard pressure in the second half. Interchange plans will protect momentum, maintain defensive cohesion and allow for targeted tactical changes as the match unfolds.
Anyone who has launched a product knows that reliable fundamentals matter more than flash. The same applies here: disciplined territory, consistent goal-kicking and measured decision-making often decide close tests.
Backline continuity and attacking threats
The selection preserves Ireland’s back three. Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe combine pace, aerial security and counter-attacking threat from broken play.
Disciplined territory and measured decision-making remain central to the game plan. That continuity follows the team’s emphasis on controlled kicking and reliable goal-kicking.
In midfield, the experienced duo of Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose will aim to control collisions and create clean breaks for the wings. Their role is both defensive and transitional. Quick, accurate distribution will be essential to unlock space out wide.
The bench includes attacking reinforcements such as Tommy O’Brien, who has been used effectively as an impact finisher in recent fixtures. His introduction typically adds direct running and finishing intent late in games.
I’ve seen too many teams overrate individual flair at the expense of structure. Match data tells a different story: disciplined cover defence and efficient outlets convert counter-attacking chances into points more often than solo runs.
Expect the back three to be tested high and wide. Their ability to recover, win aerial duels and feed quick ball to the wings could decide a close contest.
Bench composition and forward depth
The bench offers purposeful cover across the pack and carries clear tactical options. Front-row replacements Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole and Finlay Bealham aim to shore up scrummaging and maintain set-piece momentum. Back-row options such as Nick Timoney and Jack Conan bring carrying load and contest at the breakdown. Reliable tactical substitutes Craig Casey and Ciaran Frawley provide control and kicking variety if the game plan needs shifting.
Squad depth matters in tight games. Fresh forwards can alter collision tempo and sustain phases of pressure. Tactical changes from the bench can protect a slender lead or chase a narrow deficit. Anyone who has watched international rugby knows bench impact can decide matches.
Coaches often prioritise balance over star power on the interchange. This bench mixes set-piece resilience, carrying power and game-management skills. The selection signals an intent to finish strongly across the 80 minutes.
Context, expectations and what to watch
Ireland enter the match seeking cohesion and a sustained tempo after contrasting championship displays. The team will focus on structured kick-chase patterns, pressure at the breakdown and disciplined set-piece execution.
Who will convert turnovers into territory? Ireland’s ability to turn quick turnovers into field position and Crowley’s kicking accuracy under pressure will determine whether possession becomes scoreboard advantage. Selection suggests an intent to finish strongly across the 80 minutes and to control field position through tactical kicking.
Broadcast and matchday information
The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and ITV, with radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1. Kick-off is at 2.10pm. Supporters travelling to Twickenham are expected to form a sizeable contingent, and the atmosphere could influence momentum and decision-making on the field.
I’ve seen too many teams fail to sustain intensity late in big matches. Anyone who has launched a product knows that execution under pressure separates plans from outcomes. Expect the breakdown work and kicking game to tell the real story here.
Ireland name experienced backline to test England
Expect the breakdown work and kicking game to tell the real story here. Ireland have emphasised unity and incremental improvement in training. Coach Andy Farrell has framed the match as a step-by-step process rather than a decisive pivot.
The captaincy is entrusted to Doris, while Crowley assumes a tactical role at ten. The selection mixes experience with dynamism to unsettle England’s defence and control territorial exchanges. That balance aims to sharpen execution rather than chase headline plays.
I’ve seen too many teams lose tight matches because they chased style over structure. Growth in training intensity and attention to small margins—breakdown speed, kick placement, defensive line speed—will determine momentum in this Six Nations fixture.
Expect Ireland’s game plan to revolve around disciplined phases and contestable kicking. If they sustain that approach, field position and turnover work should decide the outcome rather than isolated moments of brilliance.
