Six Nations 2026: Jack Crawley starts at fly-half as Ireland make five changes for England clash

Jack Crawley will start at fly-half as Ireland coach Andy Farrell makes five changes to his XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against England at Allianz Stadium.

Sam Prendergast started in Ireland’s opening loss to France and Italy’s victory last week, but Farrell moved Crawley back into the 15th place after the 26-year-old impressed off the bench against the Azzurri.

Prendergast was not named in the matchday squad as Farrell named versatile Ciaran Frawley on the bench.

Munster’s Crawley will partner Jamieson Gibson Park in a rotated half-back line-up with Craig Casey dropping to the bench.

Three-time British and Irish Lion Tadhg Furlong has been recalled in the head-up position after returning from a calf injury against Italy.

In the reshuffled back row, captain Cailan Doris returns to his familiar number eight role behind wingers Tadhg Byrne and Josh van der Flier, making room for Jack Coonan and Cormac Izuchukwu.

Farrell changed to five forwards and three players on the bench, having won 6-2 in their first two matches.

British and Irish Lion Finlay Pelham was called upon to provide cover, with Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Jack Coonan completing the attacking substitutes.

Winger Tommy O’Brien, who was left out against Italy, joins Kessie and Frawley as backline options on the bench.

Ireland and England both have one win in their opening two matches, with Steve Borthwick’s side targeting a return to form after last week’s disappointing Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland at Murrayfield.