Six Nations 2026: Jack Crowley starts at fly-half as Ireland make five changes for England game

Jack Crowley will start at fly-half as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell makes five changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Six Nations match against England at Allianz Stadium.

Sam Prendergast started in Ireland’s opening loss to France and last week’s victory for Italy, but Farrell has brought Crowley back into the XV after the 26-year-old’s impact off the bench against the Azzurri.

Prendergast is not named in the matchday squad with Farrell opting for the versatile Ciaran Frawley on the bench.

Munster’s Crowley will partner Jamison Gibson-Park in a changed half-back pairing as Craig Casey drops to the bench.

Three-time British and Irish Lion Tadhg Furlong is recalled at tight-head prop having returned from a calf injury against Italy.

In a changed back row, captain Caelan Doris switches back to his familiar number eight role behind flankers Tadhg Beirne and Josh Van der Flier, with Jack Conan and Cormac Izuchukwu making way.

Farrell has changed to a split of five forwards and three backs on the bench, having gone with a 6-2 for the first two games.

British and Irish Lion Finlay Bealham has been recalled to provide tight-head cover, with Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Jack Conan rounding out the forward replacements.

Wing Tommy O’Brien, who was left out against Italy, joins Casey and Frawley as the backline options on the bench.

Ireland and England both have one win from their opening two games, with Steve Borthwick’s side targeting a return to form after last week’s dispiriting Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland at Murrayfield.