Ryan Ruled Out as Ireland Name Squad for Six Nations Finale

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations finale against Scotland at a sold-out Aviva Stadium (kick-off 2.10pm), but the headline news is the absence of James Ryan, who has been ruled out through injury.

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The influential Leinster lock was not considered due to a calf injury, a significant blow for Ireland ahead of the Round 5 showdown with Scotland and with silverware still on the line. Ryan has been a key figure in Ireland’s pack in recent seasons, and his absence leaves a major responsibility on the shoulders of the second-row pairing selected to start.

With Ryan unavailable, Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne are named in the engine room as Ireland prepare for what promises to be an intense encounter in Dublin.

Captain Caelan Doris leads the side for the St Patrick’s weekend clash, with Ireland hoping to finish their Six Nations campaign strongly in front of a packed home crowd.

In the backline, Jamie Osborne, Rob Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien form the back three. Stuart McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley are paired together at scrum-half and fly-half.

Up front, the front row sees Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong start, with McCarthy and Beirne filling the second-row positions in Ryan’s absence.

The back row features Jack Conan at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside, and captain Doris at number eight.

Farrell has named a strong bench, with Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray – who could make his Six Nations debut – and Nick Timoney covering the forwards.

Among the backs replacements are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki, giving Ireland plenty of experience and impact options.

Speaking ahead of the game, Farrell emphasised the magnitude of the occasion.

“It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed Aviva Stadium with a trophy up for grabs,” he said.

“We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence. You’ll see two teams who like to attack and we’ll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want.”

“With a loud home support and the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest.”

Saturday’s match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with live radio commentary available on RTÉ Radio 1.