Farrell Names Four Debutants as Ireland Prepare to Face Brave Blossoms
Andy Farrell has rested several frontline stars and handed first caps to Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward.
- Ireland head coach Andy Farrell made nine changes to his starting side for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Japan in Newcastle, with Tadhg Beirne captaining the team for the first time.
- Coaching staff rotated the squad to build essential depth for the 2027 World Cup, aiming to avoid repeating selection policies that heavily relied on a small group of frontline players in previous tournaments.
- Connacht back-row Sean Jansen earns his first international cap at number 8, leading four debutants, while Ciarán Frawley starts at out-half following last week's 33-31 victory over Australia.
- Japan head coach Eddie Jones returns from suspension to face Ireland, aiming to replicate their 2019 World Cup upset against the Irish team.
- Star players including Dan Sheehan and Hugo Keenan are rested ahead of next Saturday's high-stakes clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park in New Zealand.
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17 Articles
What to know about Irish rugby's new star Sean Jansen
Sean Jansen is gearing up to throw on an Ireland rugby jersey and take to the pitch for his first cap this weekend. At 27, he's the oldest of four debutants, alongside Billy Bohan, 20, Sam Illo, 25, and Bryn Ward, 21. Today's top videos As he prepares to set foot on the pitch for Ireland versus Japan, here's everything we know about the Kiwi, from his Irish ancestry to his young son and career thus far. Who is Sean Jansen? Sean Jansen and Josh…
Ulster star in line to make Ireland debut in Nations Championship clash with Japan
Sean Jansen will win his first cap in a much-changed Ireland side for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Japan in Australia – while Ulster’s Bryn Ward is also in line to make his debut after being named on the bench.
Nine changes were made by the Irish breeder to face Japan on Saturday on the occasion of the 2nd day of the Championship of Nations.
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