Tom Farrell to make debut as Ireland team to face Japan named

Head coach Andy Farrell has made eight changes from the line-up which started last Saturday in the 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago.

Ireland centre Tom Farrell. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Caelan Doris will start his first Test match in eight months when he captains Ireland against Japan at Aviva Stadium this Saturday, leading a side featuring debutant centre Tom Farrell.

Head coach Andy Farrell described his namesake’s rise to Test rugby at the age of 32 as a “Roy of the Rovers story” after selecting Munster’s player of the Year for last season at outside centre alongside midfield partner Robbie Henshaw.