Carlow’s Ed Byrne has been named on the bench for Ireland’s Six Nations clash with France on Sunday.
Ulster’s Iain Henderson will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 108th player to lead Ireland. He will be partnered in the second row by Tadhg Beirne.
There’s a lot of leaders missing, captain Johnny Sexton and vice-captain James Ryan have not hit all their markers this week in the return to play protocols so are not considered for selection.
Conor Murray picked up a hamstring strain in training this week and has been ruled out of the game too.
The front row that started against Wales of Cian Healy, Rob Herring and Andrew Porter is retained.
In the backrow Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander are joined by Rhys Ruddock who slots in on the blindside flank.
Jamison Gibson Park comes in to start at 9 and will partner Billy Burns.
Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose line out in the centre and the back three is unchanged with Hugo Keenan at fullback flanked by Keith Earls and James Lowe.
There are four changes in the replacements as Ed Byrne, Ultan Dillane, Ross Byrne and the uncapped Craig Casey come in while Ronan Kelleher, Tadgh Furlong, Will Connors and Jordan Larmour complete the bench for the weekend.
Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium, Sunday, February 14th, kick-off 3pm.
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 7 caps
14. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 89 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 31 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 48 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 3 caps
10. Billy Burns (Ulster) 4 caps
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 6 caps
1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 105 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 17 caps
3. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 33 caps
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 18 caps
5. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 59 caps CAPTAIN
6. Rhys Ruddock (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 26 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 29 caps
8. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 47 caps
Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 7 caps
17. Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 3 caps
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 45 caps
19. Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 17 caps
20. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) uncapped
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 11 caps
23. Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps
📄 Unfortunately @ConorMurray_9 picked up a hamstring strain in training this week and has been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Conor! 👊🟢#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #GuinnessSixNations #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/bq33KevPkL
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 12, 2021
