2 days ago
Craig Casey to lead Ireland into battle against Georgia
Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time when Ireland face Georgia in Tbilisi in the first of two Tests on Saturday.
Interim Ireland head coach Paul O'Connell has named the Munster scrum-half in a half-back partnership alongside Sam Prendergast, with Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne set to link up in midfield.
Winger Tommy O'Brien will make his debut in a back three which includes his provincial colleague Jimmy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale, who is set to earn his 39th cap.
Stockdale needs one more try to become the 21st Ireland player to score more than 100 points for the national side and the first since Jack Crowley.
Connacht's Darragh Murray makes his debut in a second-row partnership alongside Cormac Izuchukwu.
Jack Boyle, hooker Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row, with Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney and number eight Gavin Coombes named in the back row to complete the starting pack.
In all, there are potentially four further debutants on the replacements bench, with the Munster duo of Michael Milne and Tom Ahern as well as the Connacht pair of Jack Aungier and scrum-half Ben Murphy in line to make their respective international bows.
That quartet are joined by fellow replacements Tom Stewart, Cian Prendergast and Calvin Nash.
Looking ahead to the fixture at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (kick-off 6pm Irish time), O'Connell said: "I have been impressed by the application of the squad ahead of this two-Test tour and Saturday's game presents an exciting opportunity for this group of players.
To Craig, I would like to congratulate him on his first game as captain. Craig has taken to captaincy impressively. He's going to relish leading his country and I know how keen he is to make his mark alongside the rest of the players.
"This weekend is also an extra special one for six players who are set to make their international debuts.
"To Tommy and Darragh, who get the chance to start, as well as the four others who will be ready to make their mark from the bench, I wish them well and the squad are determined to make it a memorable occasion for them and their families.
"Though light in terms of international caps in some areas, there's also a nice blend of experience in the squad."
Ireland Team named for @GEORGIARUGBY match.
2⃣ new caps to start
4⃣ uncapped players on the bench #TeamofUs #WeAreIreland
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 3, 2025
