Six Nations news: Sam Prendergast dropped by Ireland ahead of clash with England

Sam Prendergast has been left out of Ireland‘s matchday squad for Saturday’s Six Nations clash away to England, with Jack Crowley named at fly-half.

Prendergast struggled during last weekend’s unconvincing 20-13 win over Italy, including missing two straightforward conversions, before being replaced by Crowley.

The 23-year-old started all but one of Ireland’s previous seven Six Nations games, with his omission the first time he has been overlooked for a matchday 23 in the championship since his Test debut in November 2024.

Crowley impressed from the bench against the Azzurri, albeit he missed touch with a late penalty as Andy Farrell‘s side failed to claim a bonus point.

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Team news

Ciaran Frawley, who has not featured at international level since last summer’s 106-7 win over Portugal, will provide back-up for the number 10 role.

Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park returns to partner Crowley at Twickenham in the only other alteration to Ireland’s backline.

There are three changes to the forward pack.

Tadhg Furlong replaces Thomas Clarkson at tighthead prop, while Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier come in for Cormac Izuchukwu and Jack Conan in the back row.

Captain Caelan Doris moves back to number eight. Tadhg Beirne starts at blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier on the openside.

Ireland team to face England

Ireland: Osborne, Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe, Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (c)

Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Bealham, Timoney, Conan, Casey, Frawley, T. O’Brien

READ MORE: Six Nations news: Henry Pollock set for first England start against Ireland