PARIS — In a dramatic return to international rugby, winger Jacob Stockdale has been named in Ireland’s starting lineup for their Six Nations championship opener against France on Thursday. The selection marks a significant comeback for the 2018 Player of the Championship, who had fallen out of favor due to prolonged injury struggles and inconsistent form.
Stockdale, who delivered a record-breaking seven tries during Ireland’s grand slam victory in 2018, has not featured in the Six Nations since 2021 and was notably absent from the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. His journey back to the starting XV culminated in a compelling return to form last season, though his progress was hampered by recurring injuries during international appearances.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell expressed confidence in the winger’s resurgence, stating: “He’s back to being himself this year, that’s for sure. He’s simplified his approach and rediscovered his core strength of beating defenders—a quality we’ve witnessed consistently throughout this season.”
Farrell’s selection strategy included another surprising decision: awarding flanker Cian Prendergast his first Six Nations start while maintaining Tadhg Beirne in the second row. The match will witness a historic family moment as Prendergast partners with his younger brother Sam, the team’s flyhalf, marking their first test match together.
Additional lineup adjustments see Tom Clarkson and Jeremy Loughman as starting props with a combined 15 caps, while Jamie Osborne returns from a November shoulder injury to fill the fullback position vacated by Hugo Keenan’s thumb fracture. Lions tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong was withheld from selection due to calf concerns, with Farrell indicating expectations for his return against Italy in the subsequent week.