Jean Kleyn set for Ireland debut in World Cup warm-up game against Italy

Munster's Jean Kleyn is set to make his Ireland debut in the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Italy after he was named in the line-up by head coach Joe Schmidt for the Saturday's encounter.

Kleyn will start at second-row alongside Devin Toner as Ireland aim to gain momentum leading into the World Cup that kicks-off next month. South Africa born Kleyn qualified to play for Ireland after being part of Munster in the last three years.

With a number of frontline players rested, Schmidt will be hoping for Kleyn and other fringe players to stake a claim in the World Cup squad with an impressive performance at Lansdowne Road.

Ruddock will be joined by Jordi Murphy and Tommy O’Donnell in back-row with Jack McGrath, Rob Herring and Andrew Porter named in the front-row.

Following the game against Italy, Ireland will face England at Twickenham Stadium on 24th August followed by clashes against Wales at Millennium Stadium and Lansdowne Road on 31st August and 7th September respectively.

Ireland line-up: 15 Jordan Larmour, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Chris Farrell, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jordi Murphy, 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Jean Kleyn, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Jack McGrath.

Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Cian Healy, 18 John Ryan, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Tadhg Beirne, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Mike Haley.