Dan Sheehan to captain Ireland against Wales in Six Nations clash

Dan Sheehan has been appointed as Ireland's captain for their crucial Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

The decision comes as regular skipper Caelan Doris has been sidelined due to a knee injury, along with hooker Ronan Kelleher (neck) and prop Tadhg Furlong (calf).

Furlong is yet to feature in this year's Six Nations campaign, having also missed the November Tests due to a torn hamstring.

Despite these setbacks, Ireland remains the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having secured impressive victories over Scotland (32-18) and England (27-22).

Interim head coach Simon Easterby confirmed Sheehan’s captaincy and named Jack Conan as Doris' replacement at No. 8. Easterby acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us."

Ireland's lineup sees several changes due to injuries and tactical decisions. Jamison Gibson-Park partners with Sam Prendergast in the half-back pairing, while Bundee Aki starts on the bench as Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw link up in midfield. Jamie Osborne is set to play at full-back, with James Lowe and Mack Hansen occupying the wings.

The forward pack features Conan at No. 8, flanked by Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony in the back row. Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy form the second-row combination, while Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson—who earns his first start—join Sheehan in the front row.

Ireland’s replacements include five forwards, ensuring depth in the pack. Gus McCarthy, uncapped Jack Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, and Cian Prendergast provide cover, while Bundee Aki is joined by experienced scrum-half Conor Murray and Jack Crowley in the backline options.

Easterby emphasized Sheehan’s leadership qualities, stating, "Dan Sheehan's selection as captain is recognition of his high standing within the squad, both on and off the pitch. I have no doubt that he will relish the opportunity to lead Ireland for the first time."

Ireland XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Dan Sheehan (c), 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki