Ireland make five changes for Wales Six Nations clash

Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak, named on the bench, is set to make his Ireland debut

Jacob Stockdale has replaced the injured James Lowe in the Ireland backline. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Andy Farrell has handed a first Guinness Six Nations start to back-rower Nick Timoney in a much-changed matchday squad for Friday night’s visit of Wales to Aviva Stadium.

Timoney, 30, gets his start after impressive performances off the bench in this 2026 championship, scoring a try in the defeat against France on his Six Nations debut and providing intensity and impact in the final stages of the wins over Italy and the record victory over England at Twickenham last time out.

The Ulster forward is one of six changes — five personnel and one positional — from the starting line-up in that 42-21 win, though man of the match Jamison Gibson-Park is retained at scrum-half for his 50th Ireland cap in an unchanged half-back partnership with Jack Crowley.

There is also a potential debut for replacement scrum-half Nathan Doak while there could be Six Nations debuts for hooker Tom Stewart and centre Tom Farrell, also named on the bench.

Jacob Stockdale is handed his second start of the championship on the left wing, replacing the injured James Lowe. Stockdale joins Ulster team-mate and right wing Rob Baloucoune and full-back Jamie Osborne in the back three, with Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey continuing in the centres.

The other changes come in the forwards with Tom O’Toole handed his first start at loosehead prop, with Jeremy Loughman ruled out through a calf injury.

Rónan Kelleher replaces Dan Sheehan at hooker with Tadhg Furlong continuing at tighthead prop.

Tadhg Beirne moves from blindside flanker to the second row alongside James Ryan as Joe McCarthy moves to the bench while Jack Conan starts at six instead of Beirne having missed the Twickenham win due to illness. Timoney is handed the openside flanker role with Josh van der Flier moving the bench in a back row anchored by captain Caelan Doris at No.8.

Head coach Farrell has maintained a bench split of five forwards and three backs replacements with Stewart’s inclusion as covering hooker meaning an afternoon off for Dan Sheehan following three consecutive starts. Stewart’s replacement front row allies are loosehead Michael Milne and tighthead Thomas Clarkson while Doak, Tom Farrell and Ciaran Frawley provide the backline cover.

“We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum,” Andy Farrell said. “I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection. Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play in training and with Ulster over a longer period.

“I know how much this means to Nathan and we are determined to make this a special few days for him and his family.

“Also, Jamison becomes the 61st Irish international to reach the 50-cap mark which is an incredible achievement for a top-class professional. I have no doubt that both players are excited to get out in front of a packed Aviva Stadium on Friday night.” 

IRELAND: Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster); Robert Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster), Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster); Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster); Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), James Ryan (UCD/Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster); Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster), Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) - captain.

Replacements: Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Michael Milne (Nenagh Ormond/Munster), Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster), Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster), Tom Farrell (Lansdowne/Munster), Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster).

WALES: Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears); Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Eddie James (Scarlets), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Cardiff) ; Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester); Rhys Carre (Saracens), Dewi Lake (Ospreys) – captain, Tomas Francis (Provence); Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Carter (Dragons); Alex Mann (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).

Replacements: Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Archie Griffin (Bath), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Louie Hennessey (Bath).