Sam Prendergast will make his Six Nations debut when Ireland begin their quest for an unprecedented three-peat against England on Saturday.

Ireland, who retained the trophy in 2024 but fell just short of a second successive Grand Slam, losing to England at Twickenham, are being led by interim coach Simon Easterby while Andy Farrell prepares for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia.

Easterby has handed 21-year-old Leinster fly-half Prendergast his Six Nations bow, with Jack Crowley – a regular in the 2024 competition – on the bench.

Ryan Baird has also been recalled to the back row, meaning Tadhg Beirne switches to the second row in the absence of the injured Joe McCarthy.

"We've come off the back of a good week's training in Quinta do Lago and I have been hugely impressed by the effort of the squad," Easterby said on Thursday.

"We've enjoyed some competitive sessions and it wasn't easy selecting a squad for this week's game, given the quality of those who haven't made the final 23.

"Credit to those who missed out on selection for this game, there was obvious disappointment but they all stepped up brilliantly to help prepare the team this week.

"England are a talented squad with quality across their panel and we know that we will need to hit the ground running to deliver a winning performance."

Our team to face England in Saturday's Guinness Men's Six Nations opener! #TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 30, 2025

Ireland XV: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (c).

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.