Following an impressive conclusion to his season with Leinster, Sam Prendergast has been named to start for Ireland in Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against Australia in Sydney. The 23-year-old fly-half replaces the injured Jack Crowley, gaining the spot from head coach Andy Farrell after helping Leinster secure the United Rugby Championship title.
With James Lowe departing and Tommy O’Brien out, Jamie Osborne will take up the position on the left wing. Up front, Tom O’Toole is set to start at loose-head prop as the team navigates absences among other front-row options. In the midfield, Stuart McCloskey returns from a hamstring injury to partner with Garry Ringrose, while Tadhg Beirne will provide support from the bench. Cian Prendergast remains in the back row to stake his claim for a regular spot.
