PARIS (Azat TV) – Jeremy Loughman has been named in Ireland’s starting XV to face France in the opening match of the 2026 Six Nations Championship on Thursday evening at the Stade de France, marking his first international start in over three years. The Munster loose-head prop’s inclusion comes as head coach Andy Farrell navigates a significant injury crisis, forcing several key changes to the squad.
Loughman’s selection is particularly notable as it will be his first Test appearance for Ireland since the 2024 Six Nations and his first international start since November 2022. He has been preferred over his provincial colleague Michael Milne and steps into the crucial loose-head position due to injuries sidelining first-choice props Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, and Jack Boyle. This unexpected opportunity highlights the depth challenges facing the Irish squad as they begin their campaign against a formidable French side.
Loughman’s Return to the Front Row
The 30-year-old prop’s return to the national team’s starting lineup underscores the impact of Ireland’s injury woes. Loughman’s last cap was against Japan in November 2025, but his last start dates back much further. Coach Farrell acknowledged the difficult decisions, stating that the team needed to adapt. His Munster teammate, Michael Milne, who has two caps, will provide loose-head cover from the bench.
Farrell’s decision to bring Loughman into the front row reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the squad’s fitness. The coach’s confidence in Loughman’s temperament and preparation was echoed in comments regarding other returning players, signaling a belief in the chosen players to perform under pressure, as reported by BelfastLive.
Ireland’s Key Selections and Absences for France Clash
Beyond Loughman, Ireland’s starting XV features several other significant changes. Jacob Stockdale returns to the left wing after strong performances for Ulster, earning his first cap since November 2025. Jamie Osborne makes an immediate return to the full-back position following a November injury, while Cian Prendergast earns the number six jersey, with Jack Conan dropping to the replacements. Sam Prendergast will start at fly-half, forming a notable sibling pairing with Cian.
The team will be captained by Caelan Doris. Other notable inclusions are Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose in the center, and Thomas Clarkson starting at tight-head prop due to Tadhg Furlong’s calf problem. Furlong, a British and Irish Lion, returned to training but was not deemed fit enough for the opener, with Farrell expecting him to be available for the home game against Italy on February 14, according to BBC Sport.
The injury list extends beyond the front row, with key players like James Lowe, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, and Hugo Keenan all unavailable. Additionally, Bundee Aki is serving a three-game suspension. These absences have led to what BusinessDay described as ‘lateral thinking’ from Coach Farrell in his selections.
Farrell’s Strategy and Underdog Status
Speaking ahead of the match, Andy Farrell expressed satisfaction with the squad’s preparation following a training camp in Portugal. He acknowledged the immense challenge posed by France, openly stating that Ireland enters the fixture as the ‘underdogs.’
“We want to be as good a team as we can possibly be, and if we’re pulling in the right direction and chasing that, doing to be the best team that we can possibly be, we need to prove to ourselves that we can be the best team also in the competition,” Farrell stated, as quoted by the Irish Mirror. He emphasized the motivation provided by the traveling Irish support and the special atmosphere of the Stade de France.
The match, scheduled for an 8:10 PM UK time kick-off, will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1. France, meanwhile, will see captain Antoine Dupont make his first Test appearance in 11 months after a knee injury, partnering Matthieu Jalibert at half-back, and Dorian Aldegheri starting at tight-head prop in the absence of the retired Uini Atonio.
The extensive list of injuries and suspensions has undeniably tested Ireland’s squad depth, transforming the Six Nations opener into a crucial proving ground for emerging and returning players like Jeremy Loughman, who now have a significant opportunity to solidify their positions on the international stage.