Chance to shine on Windy City stage

The door has been opened for Ireland’s World Cup hopefuls and Joe Schmidt will be hoping the likes of Joey Carbery, Niall Scannell, and Tadhg Beirne can grasp the opportunity presented to them and take a confident step towards Japan this weekend.

Naming an inexperienced side, to be captained by Rhys Ruddock, to face an equally developmental Italy in Chicago at Soldier Field on Saturday night, Schmidt will hope to lay down some valuable foundations for next year’s World Cup.