Tom Farrell to Debut for Ireland at 32 Against Japan

Tom Farrell, the 32-year-old Munster centre, will make his debut for the Irish national rugby team against Japan on Saturday. This milestone comes six years after his only previous call-up to the squad, which did not result in any appearances. Head coach Andy Farrell described Farrell’s journey as akin to a “Roy of the Rovers” story, referencing the beloved comic character known for overcoming adversity.

Captain Caelan Doris will also return to the starting lineup following a six-month recovery from surgery. Doris showcased his readiness with a solid performance off the bench during Ireland’s recent match against New Zealand, although the team ultimately suffered a 26-13 defeat.

Farrell’s inclusion in the squad for the November internationals came as a late injury replacement, but his impressive form this season has made his selection well-deserved. “Tom’s is a real Roy of the Rovers story when you look at his journey in the game to this point,” Andy Farrell stated. “He has worked really hard to earn the right to represent his country, and I know how proud he is to be involved this weekend after knocking on the selection door for the last few seasons.”

Changes in the Lineup

Alongside Farrell, there have been several changes to the team following the loss to the All Blacks. Nick Timoney will get a rare start in the back row, partnering with Doris. Timoney has only earned four caps since his debut in 2021, making this a significant opportunity for him.

Joining the lineup is Jacob Stockdale, who is Ireland’s sixth-highest all-time try scorer. He will play for only the third time in over two years, marking a comeback after a challenging period. Other changes include Ronan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, and Craig Casey, who will replace Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, and Jamison Gibson-Park, respectively. In the centre, Robbie Henshaw steps in for Stuart McCloskey, who sustained a knock in the recent match.

Looking Ahead

Following the match against Japan, Ireland will continue their international schedule with games against Australia and South Africa later this month. As the team prepares for these crucial fixtures, the debut of Tom Farrell offers a narrative of resilience and determination that resonates with fans and players alike.

Here is the starting lineup for Ireland’s match against Japan:

• 15 – Jamie Osborne
• 14 – Tommy O’Brien
• 13 – Tom Farrell
• 12 – Robbie Henshaw
• 11 – Jacob Stockdale
• 10 – Jack Crowley
• 9 – Craig Casey
• 8 – Caelan Doris
• 7 – Nick Timoney
• 6 – Ryan Baird
• 5 – Tadhg Beirne
• 4 – James Ryan
• 3 – Thomas Clarkson
• 2 – Ronan Kelleher
• 1 – Andrew Porter

The replacements are Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast, and Jimmy O’Brien.

As anticipation builds for the match, fans will be keen to see how Farrell and the rest of the team perform on this significant occasion.