Ireland Rugby

Furlong, who has only played 36 minutes of rugby since the autumn internationals, has failed to recover from a calf injury, leaving Connacht's Finlay Bealham to ...

[Six Nations 2023 in focus: Ireland](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12783034/six-nations-2023-championship-in-focus-ireland-seeking-silverware-under-andy-farrell) [Sexton: No grudge against Gatland over Lions snub](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12801229/johnny-sexton-ireland-captain-says-he-holds-no-grudge-against-wales-coach-warren-gatland-over-british-and-irish-lions-snub) [Halfpenny ruled out for Wales Ireland open 2023 Six Nations by travelling to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday (2.15pm); Skipper and playmaker Johnny Sexton fit to start; Stuart McCloskey starts over Bundee Aki at centre; Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong ruled out due to a calf injury, so Finlay Bealham starts Tadhg Furlong ruled out for Ireland vs Wales in Six Nations opener; Stuart McCloskey at centre; Johnny Sexton fit to start

Andy Farrell has named his starting team for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It is a hark back to the Gatland Wales teams of old, with members of the old guard such as Leigh Halfpenny, George North, and Alex Cuthbert still involved. James Ryan (Leinster) James Lowe (Leinster) For the first time ever, Ireland enter the Six Nations as the #1 ranked team in the world, after a magnificent 2022 that saw them beat New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. Conor Murray has managed to retain his spot on the bench at scrum-half, ahead of fellow Munsterman Craig Casey. The headline news will be the absence of Tadhg Furlong at tighthead prop, with Connacht's Finlay Bealham stepping in for the injured Leinster front row.

“The IRFU has turned to the Connacht coach Warren Gatland to restore some credibility to Irish rugby following the resignation of Brian Ashton.” – Irish ...

“With other coaches there was a tendency to stick with the older group – if in doubt let’s go with the tried and trusted. “There was an element of self-doubt (among the squad) because now you had a lot of players beginning to come in (and challenge senior players). But I think one of the measures of successful coaches is the players enjoy working with them, and the players enjoyed working with Warren and they played for him when they put that Ireland jersey on. “Keith Wood had been very much in and out of the squad for a few years but Warren made him his captain and the whole structure was based around Woodie. “Then we went to England, and we were in the game but just started slipping off towards the end. We are playing the most gifted and exciting team in world rugby in their own backyard at a time when they are cock-a-hoop and we are on our knees.” With an hour on the clock, Ireland lead 16-6 thanks to a Denis Hickie try and nine points from the boot of Eric Elwood. He would have been very much proactive and one of us, but you got the sense that he actually knew what he was talking about.” Previously the norm was you had someone who was 45 or 50 or more (in charge), but Gats was closer in age to a lot of us. That was a fundamental shift in how we prepared for games, and even how we looked at each other as teammates.” “It was really positive,” adds Richard Wallace, who started every game in that championship on the wing. The offer is to steer Ireland through the remainder of the competition, and if all goes well, maybe even hang around a bit longer.

Ireland and Wales will collide at Principality Stadium on Saturday in the opening game of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. Warren Gatland has named his.

James Ryan, 6. James Lowe, 10. Rhys Webb, 22. Rhys Carre, 18. [SIX STORYLINES TO LOOK OUT FOR DURING THE GUINNESS SIX NATIONS](https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/2023/02/02/six-storylines-to-look-out-for-during-the-guinness-six-nations/) [THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GUINNESS SIX NATIONS FANTASY RUGBY](https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/2023/02/01/the-complete-guide-to-guinness-six-nations-fantasy-rugby/) Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose will reprise their roles from the 13-10 win over Australia in Ireland’s final game of the Autumn Nations Series in the centres. Ireland’s first XV of the new year sees Finlay Bealham make his first Guinness Six Nations start in the front row. In the forwards, Gareth Thomas will play his first game under Gatland in the front row alongside the experienced pair of captain Ken Owens and Tomas Francis. Hugo Keenan will start at full-back while Mack Hansen and James Lowe are named on the wings. [HOW TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO ROUND 1 OF THE 2023 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS](https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/2023/02/01/how-to-watch-and-listen-to-round-1-of-the-2023-guinness-six-nations/) Ireland and Wales will collide at Principality Stadium on Saturday in the opening game of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. Another favourite from the Kiwi’s first stint in charge, Josh Adams will start on the right wing, with Rio Dyer in line to win his fourth cap on the left.

They have Johnny Sexton and James Lowe in from the start after what will be, for both men, over a month without a game. Wales also have Warren Gatland at the ...

Farrell is going for the perceived safer options of Iain Henderson, Conor Murray, Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki when he could have just have easily selected Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Jimmy O'Brien. Andy Farrell assured us all, today, that Tadhg Furlong 'will keep working away to hopefully be fit for the French game'. In all the predicted and expected teams, Tadhg Furlong was there at tighthead, even though he had not played a minute for Leinster since December 3. He has performed well off the bench for Ireland but has only five starts in Test rugby. Perhaps the prospect of Furlong missing out on such a big game was too scary to contemplate. And the roof will be closed so the atmosphere will be heightened and the anthem will shake our souls. We have heard since we beat the All Blacks, last summer, how Ireland should use the Six Nations to blood the fringe players and back-ups. One of those starts was at loosehead and he last wore the Ireland No.3 jersey in July 2021. Same for Tom O'Toole, who is tighthead back-up for the game. No fitness/injury updates were circulated from when the squad arrived in Portugal, last week, until today. Some of us would prefer if we went all-out to win our big games with the best players available while others are even more extreme and want the Six Nations sacrificed to shove all our chips behind the quest to get beyond a World Cup last eight. They have Johnny Sexton and James Lowe in from the start after what will be, for both men, over a month without a game.

Stuart McCloskey starts at 12 while Johnny Sexton returns from injury as expected for clash in Cardiff.

“The ownership, the authority that he’s got within his game, and the ownership of the plan going forward. We’re expecting more of the same in that regard.” The last game he played, he scored a hat-trick, he’s scrummaging very well, so he deserves a start. Finding a way to win has always been key to those teams, and we’re very aware of that.” It’s as good as I’ve seen it in regards to getting ready for any type of competition. Maybe I’ll buy him a free shot after the game. With the unfortunate Rónan Kelleher again ruled out due to the hamstring strain he sustained in the squad’s Portuguese training camp, Rob Herring is once more backup in tandem with Cian Healy and O’Toole, while Jack Conan, Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki are also retained. What I would say is that we judge ourselves on our preparation and our preparation has been top drawer. We wanted it closed as well to sample the atmosphere and keep progressing on our journey. “Everyone has spoke over the last two weeks about the record. His ensuing four caps in the intervening period before last November, against USA (twice), Georgia and Japan, were scattered over four seasons. It will be Bealham’s first start in the Six Nations.

Warren Gatland will take control of Wales at a Six Nations tournament for the first time in four years when Ireland come to Cardiff in the opening match.

“There’s a mixture in the team of some experience, some younger players. Like Baldwin, Owen Williams last played for Wales in 2017, and he too looks to earn another cap in 2023, featuring as the replacement utility back. We think we’ve got a bench that can come on and have an impact." Tomas Francis, Ken Owens and Gareth Thomas will start in the front-row. Dillon Lewis and Rhys Carre provide the rest of the front-row cover. [Liam Williams is a late replacement for the injured Leigh Halfpenny. I thought for his first cap he was outstanding so we’ve given him another opportunity. "“We’ve picked Joe at 12. Rhys Webb, 22. Rhys Carre, 18. Dan Biggar and Tomos Williams form the half-back pairing. ](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/leigh-halfpenny-out-wales-v-26139638)He's flanked by Rio Dyer and Josh Adams.

Richie Murphy's side kick off their tournament in Colwyn Bay on Friday evening.

“Naturally nerves will settle in as we go on through the week,” Gleeson explained a few days ago. The crowds are bigger and the TV cameras leave little room to hide when things begin to go wrong. He was good enough to represent Tipperary at U14 and U15 but rugby had already elbowed back into the picture by then. We’re well able to carry out the game plan.” That combination of brain and brawn should work to their advantage in North Wales when they face a side that, by its own coach’s admission, is light on experience in the front five when it comes to this grade of rugby. “It’s good to have a pack like that in front of me. Six Nations campaigns at this level are usually prefaced with the physical disadvantage the boys in green will face when up against France and England but this crop is different.

Warren Gatland's Wales welcome top-ranked side Ireland to the Principality Stadium on Saturday for the start of the 2023 Six Nations.

With a solid platform expected despite Tadhg Furlong’s absence, Sexton has all the tools he needs to own the Test and steer Ireland to a victory. The Irish legend is critical in how well he moves and manages his side around the park. Garry Ringrose has been in sublime form for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship and seems to have taken his game to the next level. The pivot must be clear in decision-making and sound in his kicking. He should be proud of that in terms of what he has achieved in the game because it is pretty special. He is tireless in every sense of the word and is willing to put his body on the line. His carrying ability has also improved greatly, and the star adds great balance to Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau in the back-row. Gatland could be concerned about the collision area in the middle of the park. Expect Ireland to kick well and when receiving be aware of the counter-attack threat of Hugo Keenan alongside the dangerous James Lowe and Mack Hansen in the back-three. “This week, the message to players is we have a Test match to focus on. It is a game that sets up far more interesting than one would have thought looking forward to this fixture at the end of last year. Adding to his woes is the late withdrawal of Leigh Halfpenny after a back issue on Thursday, with Liam Williams set to start.

It promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Warren Gatland beginning his second spell as Wales head coach and Ireland arriving in the Welsh capital ...

There is a degree of symmetry, provided by the Ospreys, between Gatland’s first game as Wales head coach 15 years ago and Saturday’s encounter that kicks off his second stint at the helm. The 37-year-old, who is expected to retire following the autumn World Cup in France, was devastated to be overlooked by Gatland for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. Gatland picked 13 Ospreys – the only exceptions were Scarlets wing Mark Jones and Cardiff flanker Martyn Williams – for Wales’ victorious 2008 Six Nations opener against England, and he has chosen eight in his starting XV this time around with combinations key through both centres, props, locks and flankers. The game and occasion is right up his street. The form-guide suggests an Ireland victory, but it is also enticingly set up for Gatland and his players to put such a script through the shredder. Their last success in the competition on Welsh soil came 10 years ago, so Ireland know the degree of difficulty that awaits them, but they currently look capable of overcoming any challenge.

The players believe in head coach's game plan and that makes them very dangerous in Six Nations.

While we can make fun of that outmoded way of playing, the essence is that the Welsh believe that Gatty’s plan can win matches. In reality, the return of Gatland into the bosom of Welsh rugby should get Irish hearts beating with concern. The churning cauldron of Welsh emotion surrounding this Test match poses a real threat to Ireland. With a team full of ageing warriors, the long-term outlook for Wales is dire. Though mired deep in adversity, Welsh voices will combine to cry out Land of our Fathers. The rugby world understands that Ireland should win this game by a considerable margin. So the Welsh have no alternative but to fight for their very existence. Sadly, it comes at the end of one of Welsh rugby’s most shameful weeks, which forced the resignation of their CEO. Every sociopathic openside flanker grew their hair long and scraped in a bit of blonding peroxide as an homage to the flowing golden locks of Casque D’or. Winning matches in the Six Nations. As hymns inspired by the genius of Gareth Edwards rang out, my brothers and I huddled around an old glowing valve, black and white TV in suburban Sydney. The French captain Jean-Pierre Rives, known as the Golden Helmet.

Sunshine, ripping up the script and a Netflix camera crew – a taste of life at Ireland's Algarve camp.

It’s a great set-up, with Ireland block-booking the Magnolia Hotel three minutes’ drive up the road. To sign up, read the entire piece and enjoy the many benefits of membership including access to the unmissable Rugby Weekly podcast with Gavan Casey, Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Eoin Toolan, click It’s quiet around the Quinta do Lago resort at this time of year but there are clearly a fair few Irish visiting for golf, cycling, and a bit of sun on the skin.

The Ireland U20s kick off their 2023 Six Nations campaign this evening against Wales. Here's 5 players certain to have an impact.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbWQLfi9fa0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbWQLfi9fa0) [talented outhalf](https://www.balls.ie/rugby/ireland-u20s-prendergast-517415) with the ability to compete at the highest level. His brother, who is a member of the current Six Nations squad, has already won one senior team cap (against Fiji). [Ike Anagu](https://www.balls.ie/rugby/ireland-u20s-ike-anagu-538950) – A big and powerful La Rochelle winger. He is a talented, quick, and powerful full back who will create opportunities for his team. Lightening quick pass, with the game intelligence of Dupont. Already a member of the Leinster Academy, his last-minute penalty kick to defeat England U20s during the summer from the halfway line demonstrated his big game temperament. In a preseason friendly in August, this Munster backrower marked his debut for the senior team with a try. A graduate of Newbridge College in Kildare, watch out for his no-nonsense defence and offloading techniques. While his game and physical abilities are still developing, it will be fantastic for his growth to see him get some U20s game time. His two involvements here should have lead to a try. Jamie Osborne, Nathan Doak, and Alex Kendellen, for example, were showcasing their abilities just two seasons ago, and now they are starting to realise the promise they displayed when wearing an Ireland u20s jersey.

Ireland play Wales in the opening round of the Six Nations on Saturday, This will be Warren Gatland's first match in charge since he was reappointed as ...

Warren Gatland: "Of course, it had to be Ireland for my first game back. Wales have won 70 of those matches, whilst Ireland have won 56 matches. Overall, Wales and Ireland have played each other on 133 occasions since their first meeting in 1882.

Matt Williams believes having the roof closed at the Principality Stadium will benefit Ireland in Saturday's game against Wales.

But I think we’ll still see the same type of attack that we’ve seen for the last 12 months.” “It certainly suits Ireland to close the roof… But they haven’t done that in November.

To celebrate the return of the Six Nations we're giving you the chance to get your hands on an Ireland jersey.

Read more: Following the visit of France, tough trips to Rome and Edinburgh await before Ireland finish their tournament at home to England on March 18th. Read More:

To celebrate the return of the Six Nations we're giving you the chance to get your hands on an Ireland jersey.

Following the visit of France, tough trips to Rome and Edinburgh await before Ireland finish their tournament at home to England on March 18th. In last year's Six Nations, Ireland were pipped to the post by Grand Slam winners France. Last summer, the side made history by becoming the first Irish team to beat the All-Blacks in New Zealand.