In a thrilling start to the 2026 Six Nations, Jeremy Loughman is set to make his long-awaited return to the Ireland team, taking the field against France in Paris. This marks Loughman's first appearance for Ireland in two years, as he steps into the spotlight due to the absence of several key players, including James Lowe, James Ryan, and Tadhg Furlong. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite being a seasoned player, Loughman will be facing significant pressure as he hasn’t played at this level since the 2024 Six Nations and not started an international match since November 2022.
With Ireland's top three loose-head props—Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, and Jack Boyle—all sidelined by injuries, Loughman's inclusion comes as a major opportunity for him to showcase his skills. His Munster teammate, Michael Milne, who has previously earned caps against Georgia and Portugal, will serve as the backup loose-head prop from the bench.
In another crucial change, Jamie Osborne will fill the full-back position, stepping in for Hugo Keenan, who is recovering from a hand fracture sustained during training. This will be Osborne's first game since Ireland faced Japan last November. Initially anticipated to compete directly with Jacob Stockdale for the 15 jersey, Stockdale instead finds himself taking over the left wing role usually filled by Lowe.
The decision to leave out the British and Irish Lion, James Lowe, certainly raises eyebrows and isn't the only surprising choice made by head coach Andy Farrell. In the absence of Ryan Baird, Connacht's Cian Prendergast will don the number six jersey. With Tadhg Beirne, another strong candidate for the blind-side position, teaming up with Joe McCarthy in the second row, James Ryan will unfortunately find himself on the bench among six other forwards.
The starting squad reads as follows: Osborne; O'Brien, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Beirne, C Prendergast, Van der Flier, Doris (capt). The replacements include Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, and Crowley.
Farrell's selection for this match has sparked considerable debate, especially given the injury and suspension issues plaguing the team. Losing three players in the same position would challenge any squad, and the head coach's woes extend beyond the front row. Tadhg Furlong, despite returning to training after a calf injury, has not been deemed fit enough to play. Consequently, Thomas Clarkson will take his place as tight-head prop, with Finlay Bealham waiting on the bench.
Ireland is also missing winger Mack Hansen, while Bundee Aki is serving a three-match ban, and fellow center Robbie Henshaw is injured. Joining Osborne and Stockdale in the back three will be Tommy O'Brien, while Stuart McCloskey earns his spot to partner Garry Ringrose in the midfield.
Interestingly, despite competition from Harry Byrne, Farrell has opted to continue with Sam Prendergast at fly-half. The 22-year-old will have a familiar partnership with Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-back pairing. Hooker Dan Sheehan will play between Loughman and Clarkson in the front row, while Cian Prendergast lines up alongside Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris in the back row.
Although there was some temptation to start Jack Conan at blind-side flanker, he will be joined by Nick Timoney as the loose forward options on the bench. Therefore, only Craig Casey and Jack Crowley represent the backs among the substitutes.
As the match approaches, one must wonder about the depth and resilience of the Irish squad in the face of adversity. Will these changes strengthen their chances against France, or will the omissions of key players prove too costly? What are your thoughts on these decisions? Do you agree with Farrell’s choices, or do you think he should have made different selections? Join the conversation below!
