Calen Doris captains Ireland against Japan on Saturday with Munster's Tom Farrell making his debut alongside Robbie Henshaw in midfield.
Ireland return home to Aviva Stadium for the first of three Quilter Nations Series matches this November. Starting with Saturday's visit of Japan to Irish Rugby HQ.
Farrell has named Jamie Osborne, Tommy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale in the back three. The uncapped Farrell and Henshaw selected in the centres, while Craig Casey and Jack Crowley form the half-back pairing.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson are the front row combination.
James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne are named in the engine room and the back-row is made up of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Nick Timoney at openside and captain Doris at number eight.
Farrell has strong options on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan the forward replacements. Whereas, Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide the backline reinforcements.
Farrell makes full test debut
"I have been pleased with the application and diligence of the squad this week” said Andy Farrell ahead of Saturday’s game.
“Since returning from Chicago on Monday morning the squad have assessed the areas we need to collectively improve upon”.
“It will be a battle against a Japan side who play the game in a positive manner and will look to ask questions of us”.
“From our side we will look to be sharp and implement our game-plan and we’re preparing for a big test” added Farrell.
Building towards Japan! 💪 pic.twitter.com/spQHQ1HUsx
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 5, 2025
"Tom (Farrell) becomes our latest debutant and his is a real Roy of the Rovers story when you look at his journey in the game to this point”.
“Tom has worked really hard to earn the right to represent his country and I know how proud he is to be involved this weekend after knocking on the selection door for the last few seasons”.
“In congratulating him on his selection, I would like to wish Tom the best of luck” added Farrell.
Ireland: 15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Tommy O’Brien, 13. Tom Farrell, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Craig Casey, 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Rónan Kelleher, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. James Ryan, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Ryan Baird, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Caelan Doris (c)
Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy. 17. Paddy McCarthy, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Cian Prendergast, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Caolin Blade, 22. Sam Prendergast, 23. Jimmy O’Brien
