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Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton set for Ireland debuts against Portugal

Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton set for Ireland debuts against Portugal

BreakingNews.ie10-07-2025
Alex Kendellen and Shayne Bolton will make Ireland debuts in Saturday evening's match against Portugal.
Munster back-row Kendellen, who led Emerging Ireland on last year's victorious tour to South Africa, lines up at openside flanker, while Connacht wing Bolton replaces the injured Jacob Stockdale on the left flank.
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Connacht centre Hugh Gavin could win his first cap from the bench in Lisbon.
Fly-half Jack Crowley comes in for Sam Prendergast as part of five changes to the starting XV which began last weekend's 34-5 win over Georgia. He will partner captain and Munster team-mate Craig Casey.
Cian Prendergast has been selected at number eight after recovering from illness, while Munster lock Tom Ahern will make his first international start following his debut as a replacement in Tbilisi.
Cormac Izuchukwu moves to a bench which includes Ciaran Frawley as number 10 cover, with Sam Prendergast and back-row forwards Nick Timoney and Gavin Coombes joining Stockdale in dropping out of the matchday 23.
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Interim head coach Paul O'Connell said: 'I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks. The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players' willingness to embrace challenges and hopefully that bodes well again this weekend.
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'This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we're in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters.
'To our three new debutants – Shayne, Alex and Hugh – congratulations on their selection. The team will try to deliver a positive performance for them and their families.'
Ireland team: J O'Brien (Leinster); T O'Brien (Leinster), J Osborne (Leinster), S McCloskey (Ulster), S Bolton (Connacht); J Crowley (Munster), C Casey (Munster, capt); J Boyle (Leinster), G McCarthy (Leinster), T Clarkson (Leinster), T Ahern (Munster), D Murray (Connacht), R Baird (Leinster), A Kendellen (Munster), C Prendergast (Connacht).
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Replacements: T Stewart (Ulster), M Milne (Munster), T O'Toole (Ulster), C Izuchukwu (Ulster), M Deegan (Leinster), B Murphy (Connacht), C Frawley (Leinster), H Gavin (Connacht).
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Premier League 2025-26 preview No 7: Chelsea

The Guardian

time41 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

Premier League 2025-26 preview No 7: Chelsea

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