Ireland pick Prendergast brothers to start against France

Brothers Sam and Cian Prendergast will start together for the first time for Ireland in the team named by head coach Andy Farrell on Tuesday to face France in their Six Nations opener.

With Tadgh Furlong still not fully fit, Thomas Clarkson gets the nod at tighthead prop with veteran Finlay Bealham providing cover on the bench.

Jeremy Loughman starts at loosehead in a much-changed front row ravaged by injuries, as his Munster teammate Michael Milne starts on the bench.

Jamie Osborne comes in at full-back with Hugo Keenan ruled out due to a fractured thumb.

Jacob Stockdale is picked on the left wing for his first Six Nations start since 2021.

Both Ireland's first choice wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe are out.

Cian Prendergast will make his Six Nations bow, with brother Sam retaining his starting berth since Ireland's last November internationals as Jack Crowley starts on the bench.

In total, there are seven changes from Ireland's team that started in a 24-13 defeat to South Africa in November.

Ireland take on France in the Six Nations opener on Thursday at the Stade de France in Paris.

Ireland (15-1)

Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast; Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy; Thomas Clarkson, Dan Sheehan, Jeremy Loughman

Replacements (16-23): Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)