Irish Rugby

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Ulster's James Hume is one of six senior capped Test internationals to start for Ireland XV against England 'A' at Thomond Park on Friday (19.15 GMT).

Hume, who has won three caps for Ireland, is in the starting side alongside Shane Daly, Ciaran Frawley, Gus McCarthy and Fineen Wycherley as Leinster's Max Deegan captains the team.

The 27-year-old centre is one of six Ulster players to feature in the squad with Bryn and Zac Ward both named to start along with Scott Wilson and Charlie Irvine, while Harry Sheridan is among the replacements.

Joshua Kenny joins Daly and Zac Ward in the back three while Dan Kelly will partner Hume in midfield.

Cullie Tucker has gone for an all-Leinster half-back pairing as Fintan Gunne is named at scrum-half alongside Frawley at out-half.

Billy Bohan, McCarthy and Wilson are in the front row, while Irvine and Wycherley start in the engine room.

Skipper Deegan is joined in the back row by Bryn Ward and Brian Gleeson.

Diarmuid Barron, Sam Crean, Jack Aungier, Sheridan, Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen are the forward replacements, while backs Matthew Devine and Cathal Forde are also on the bench.

Ireland XV: Daly; Kenny, Hume, Kelly, Z Ward; Frawley, Gunne; Bohan, McCarthy, Wilson, Irvine, Wycherley, Deegan (capt), B Ward, Gleeson.

Replacements: Barron, Crean, Aungier, Sheridan, Boyle, Jansen, Devine, Forde.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI senior journalist in Paris

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Ireland captain Caelan Doris says improving the team's discipline during the Six Nations "starts with me" as he admitted he must set a better example for the squad.

Andy Farrell's side's discipline has been a key talking point in the build-up to Thursday night's opener against France in Paris (20:10 GMT) after a chastening loss to South Africa in November which yielded four yellow cards and a red.

As they bid to reclaim the Six Nations title from France, Doris says discipline has been "right up there" in Irish minds during their pre-tournament preparations.

"It's one of the key points we've talked about since coming into camp especially off the back of November where it wasn't good enough," said Doris.

"I would've had chats with the coaches post-November around me as captain needing to lead it better.

"I gave away too many penalties in November, so it starts with me and the more senior players."

Speaking after leading Ireland's captain's run at Stade de France, Doris added: "Across the board it's very important, especially with the way the game's going.

"There are more cards these days. They're harder on offsides, breakdown and they want to favour the attacking team, so smart decision-making there and being really clinical and disciplined is going to be very important.

Injury-hit Ireland, who lost 42-27 to France in Dublin last year, are underdogs for Thursday's game, like they were in 2024 when they travelled to Marseille and won 38-17.

But 27-year-old Doris says he is not taking too much inspiration from what happened two years ago.

"The internal view and perception is that there's still a lot of belief at the core. That's grown over the last 10 days," he said.

"We've created evidence for more confidence and belief based on how we've shown up on the field and also connections built off it and work being done off it as well.

"There's a pretty positive feeling based on how we've trained and how the lads have shown up and integrated."

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Ulster Rugby say they are "deeply saddened" by the death of former player Russell Nelson.

The South African-born flanker joined the Irish province in 2000 and made 30 senior appearances.

Alongside his career with Ulster, Nelson played for Ballymena RFC in the All-Ireland League and helped the club to the title for the first time in 2003.

Ballymena said the achievement "holds a special place" in the club's history in a tribute to Nelson.

Before joining Ulster, he played for Boland and the Bulls in his native South Africa.

In a post on social media, Ulster said that Nelson's "leadership and character" stood out.

"He will be remembered with great respect by teammates, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him," the province said.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with Russell's family and friends during this difficult time."

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Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park says that France captain Antoine Dupont can "do stuff that not many others are capable of" ahead of Thursday's opening Six Nations game in Paris (20:10 GMT).

Scrum-half Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee last March during the Six Nations match against Ireland and was sidelined for eight months.

Despite not playing for Les Bleus since, the 29-year-old returned to club rugby for Toulouse in November and is set to play a key role in this Six Nations as France aim to defend their title.

"He [Dupont] is not the only one, France have some serious weapons across the whole team" Gibson-Park said.

"Quite a lot of prep goes into stopping him [Dupont]. We all know the threat he poses. We have seen a lot of stuff over the last number of years of him doing stuff that not many others are capable of.

"I have had some pretty good draws with him over the years, particularly at club level, he poses a serious threat for sure."

Ireland's preparation for the Six Nations has been hindered by setbacks with prop Jack Boyle and forward Tom Ahern both forced to withdraw through injury.

Centre Bundee Aki will miss the opening three games through suspension with Hugo Keenan's availability for the Six Nations unclear after the full-back fractured his thumb during Ireland's training camp in Portugal.

With those injury concerns, head coach Andy Farrell has named Thomas Clarkson and Jeremy Loughman as his props, while Cian Prendergast got the nod in the back row.

James Lowe has been dropped for Jacob Stockdale on the left wing, while Jamie Osborne starts in place of Keenan at full-back.

"There are no excuses now," added Gibson-Park.

"You can't afford to start slow, especially to France away and we have prepared well.

"There is no bigger challenge, is there?"

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Cardiff forward Ben Donnell will join Ulster at the end of the current season on a three-year deal.

The versatile 25-year-old, who is Irish-qualified, can also operate in the second row or back row positions.

Donnell represented England at U18 and U20 level and had spells at London Irish and Gloucester Rugby, before joining Cardiff in 2023.

He has made 26 appearances for the Welsh side and has scored four tries to date.

"I'm really pleased to be signing for Ulster Rugby. With my family roots in Belfast, it makes the move even more special for me," Donnell told the Ulster website.

"I am very excited by the opportunity to join a team that's playing some fantastic rugby and are competing at the top end of the league.

"I know how tough Ulster are to play against, so I'm hugely motivated to come in, work hard, and add real value to a squad full of young talent and quality experience. I'm looking forward to getting started and pulling on the Ulster jersey."

Ulster general manager Rory Best said that Donnell will add "depth" to Ulster's forward pack.

"He is at a good age, with valuable experience from London Irish, Gloucester and Cardiff and that will bolster our squad and help drive competition," Best added.

"Ben is a strong ball-carrier with the versatility to play in multiple positions, which is an important skillset to have in the modern game."

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Connacht scrum-half Matthew Devine will make the switch to Ulster at the end of the current season.

The 23-year-old will arrive on a one-year contract and reunites with Ulster head coach Richie Murphy who he played under when Ireland U20s won the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam

Devine, who also worked with Ulster assistant coach Mark Sexton during his spell with the western province, has scored three tries this season for Connacht after graduating from the province's academy system.

"I'm delighted to sign with Ulster Rugby and can't wait to make the move up north," Devine said.

"It's a brilliant opportunity for me to join a team who are making great strides forward and playing some of the most exciting, attacking rugby in the URC.

"Having worked with the coaching staff before with the U20s, I have a great relationship with them, and I feel their style suits my game. I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and the Ulster supporters."

Devine will bolster Murphy's options at scrum-half with Ulster Rugby general manager Rory Best delighted to secure the services of the Ballinasloe native.

"We feel we have secured one of the most talented young scrum-halves in Ireland, who has a strong desire to kick on in his career and develop with his high potential,"Best said.

"He will add strong competition to our scrum half positions moving forward."

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Ireland lock James Ryan feels a quick start away to France in the Six Nations opener is "unbelievably important" for the visitors.

Andy Farrell's side will begin their 2026 campaign at the Stade de France on Thursday (20:10 GMT) in a game brought forward to avoid a clash with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on Friday.

While Ireland beat France in Marseille two years ago, and won at the Stade de France against Scotland and South Africa during the 2023 World Cup, they have not beat Les Bleus at the venue since 2018.

"I think a big start is definitely unbelievably important for us," said Ryan.

"They get the tails up and the crowd get behind them and they're into their flow, so a fast start for us is always important but particularly so this weekend.

"I think going away from home over in Paris, you've got to start well."

The Leinster lock, who has 76 caps for Ireland having made his debut in 2017, is expecting the set-piece to be an important battle ground in the game.

"The line-out drive and the scrum is a huge part of their DNA, it's probably something that gives them a lot of belief," he added.

"So it's a big challenge for us as well up front in terms of the set-piece. We're unbelievably excited about that too."

Should Farrell choose to hand a debut, most likely from the bench, to Munster's Edwin Edogbo, Ireland's effort at the set-piece would be boosted by the uncapped 23-year-old's 127kg frame.

Edogbo missed nearly two years with Achilles injuries but has impressed for his province this season to earn an Ireland call.

"He's hit the ground running really well in here and he's a serious athlete," said Ryan.

"Since he's come back from that long lay-off with the injuries he's had, he's been really impressive. He's been great since he's come in."

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The Wolfhounds became the first side to book a semi-final place in the 2025-26 Celtic Challenge with a comprehensive 44-10 victory over Gwalia Lightning in Cork on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts, who boasted 10 Irish internationals including new captain Erin King in their starting line-up, ran in eight tries across the game, including three in the opening seven minutes.

Maggie Boylan, Eve Higgins and Vicky Elmes Kinlan all crossed in the early going, although fly-half Dannah O'Brien missed the conversion of all three scores to keep her side's lead to 15-0.

Carys Hughes got the Lightning on the board with a penalty but the Wolfhounds scored three further tries before half-time with India Daley, Aoibheann Reilly and Fiona Tuite getting over for scores that gave their side a 32-3 half-time lead.

The second half was a more even affair with 24 minutes passing after the restart before replacement Maebh Clenaghan crashed over from a powerful maul.

The Ulster hooker scored her second off the bench, this time off a short line-out, with 12 minutes remaining.

Gwalia, who came into this round of fixtures second in the standings, scored a late consolation try through Chloe Thomas-Bradley in the 77th minute.

The victory means the defending champions have recorded six consecutive bonus-point wins in the competition and have secured their play-off spot with four games to spare.

Six points ahead of their fellow Irish side Clovers, Neill Alcorn's side will be seeking to secure home advantage in the semi-finals when their competition resumes against Glasgow Warriors on February 15.

One day prior, the Lightning host Clovers who are one place and two points above them in the table in what will be a key fixture for play-off permutations.

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Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby said every member of the squad was available to train on Sunday as the panel continue preparations for their Six Nations opener away to France on Thursday night.

Ireland have based themselves in Portugal before the Paris curtain-raiser to the 2026 championship (20:10 GMT) with their camp in Quinta do Lago disrupted by news of Bundee Aki's suspension and losing Hugo Keenan to injury.

Tight-head prop Tadhg Furlong had also missed training earlier in the week thanks to an ongoing calf problem but was fit to take part in Sunday's sessions.

The 33-year-old was replaced after 16 minutes of Leinster's Champions Cup win on 17 January.

"We've been happy with the majority of the lads who have been training, and some of them have come in with little niggles, but everyone's progressing really well and we had everyone available to train," Easterby said.

On Furlong, Easterby added: "He got through some good work, actually. He's progressed really well.

"I think [Sunday] was important and obviously [Monday] will be another important training day, but so far, so good."

On the other side of the scrum, Ireland are without their three first-choice loose-heads with Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle all out through injury.

Connacht's uncapped 20-year-old Billy Bohan, who has just five senior games under his belt, had been called into the squad as cover but, along with Leinster back Ciaran Frawley and Ulster number eight Bryn Ward, has returned to Dublin to join the Ireland 'A' squad who meet their England counterparts in Cork on Friday night.

'It's up to the young guys to step up'

Prior to the departure of that trio, 17 players in Ireland's 36-man panel in Portugal had 10 caps or fewer but Easterby feels newer faces have integrated well into the set-up.

"The young lads have already stepped up, they've connected up," Easterby said.

"I guess one of the real strengths of this group, and it always has been for the last four or five years, has been guys coming in who will get support from the more experienced players.

"It's up to the young guys to step up as well, and they've done that to a man. The more experienced players have been excellent in the way that they've brought players into the system and that makes it really encouraging, but also makes the training really competitive."

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Ulster captain Iain Henderson says the side are "by no means the finished article" after their 21-14 victory over Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

The Irish province led 14-0 at the break thanks to Scott Wilson's try and Angus Bell's superb score, but Cardiff attempted to stage a second-half comeback and scored two tries.

The result means that Ulster leapfrog Matt Sherratt's side up to fourth in the URC table and they have now lost just one of their last six games.

"I have been saying it all year, we knew things were bubbling in the last 18 months or so," Henderson said.

"Last week's game and this week's game shows that we are by no means the finished article, we have loads to work on.

"Fair play to the coaching staff and what they have brought our squad from last season to pre-season and to the start of this season."

Eight players from Richie Murphy's side are missing due to Ireland call-ups. However, the side scored three well-worked tries with Angus Bell registering a superb solo effort.

Ulster will return to URC action after the Six Nations with a trip to Wales to face seventh place Ospreys.

"That was awesome. What a night at the Affidea Stadium," Player of the Match Matthew Dalton added.

"It can't get better than that.

"We are sitting in a great position going into the next block."

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Clovers secured a 38-31 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors to register their fourth victory in a row in the Celtic Challenge.

Faith Oviawe's try gave Clovers an early lead before Aoibheann McGrath touched down and Caitriona Finn added the extra two.

The away side pushed further ahead through Katie Whelan with Emily Coubrough closing the gap with a superb try from a scrum.

Just before the break, Anna McGann robbed Glasgow of the ball, charged forward and crossed the white line to extend Clovers' lead.

Shortly after the restart, McGrath added her second try of the afternoon following great link-up play from Sky Phimister and Alana McInerney.

Glasgow registered another try on the breakaway when Hollan Bogan touched down to make it 12-31

Millie Warren added another try for the home side, who were awarded a penalty try shortly after Clovers' Oviawe was shown a yellow card.

However, Denis Fogarty's side responded with Siofra Hession touching down and converting.

The tries weren't done there, though, with Briar McNamara securing the losing bonus-point for Glasgow seconds before the full-time whistle.