Jack Crowley has been restored at fly-half as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell makes five changes for Saturday’s Six Nations meeting with England at Allianz Stadium.
Crowley impressed off the bench in last week’s win over Italy and now replaces Sam Prendergast, who drops out of the matchday squad entirely. The Munster out-half will partner Jamison Gibson-Park in a reshuffled half-back pairing, with Craig Casey named among the replacements.
Selection shake-up at 10
Farrell’s decision to recall Jack Crowley follows renewed debate over Ireland’s fly-half role after Prendergast started the opening defeat by France and the victory over Italy. Crowley’s influence against the Azzurri was praised by the head coach despite a late missed opportunity to secure a bonus point.
Versatile back Ciaran Frawley is preferred on the bench, offering cover across fly-half, centre and full-back.
Pack boosted by Lions returns
Three-time British and Irish Lion Tadhg Furlong comes back in at tight-head prop after recovering from a calf injury. In the back row, captain Caelan Doris shifts to number eight, flanked by Tadhg Beirne and Josh Van der Flier, with Jack Conan and Cormac Izuchukwu making way.
Farrell has opted for a five-three split on the bench, recalling Finlay Bealham for front-row cover alongside Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole and Nick Timoney among the forward replacements.
Ireland and England each have one win from two matches heading into the round-three encounter, with Steve Borthwick’s side seeking a response after defeat to Scotland. Ireland, who lost narrowly on their last trip to Allianz Stadium in 2024, will look to seize momentum in the championship with a statement away performance.
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