Irish Team to Play France 2026: Men’s & Women’s Squads
There’s a unique electricity when Ireland and France meet in the Six Nations, and the 2026 opener brings plenty of questions about who’ll take the field. Andy Farrell has reshuffled his men’s side with four changes for the Thursday night clash in Paris, while Scott Bemand has named a women’s squad to face France in Clermont.
Date of match: 5 February 2026 (Women’s Six Nations) / 4 February 2026 (Men’s Six Nations opener) ·
Venue: Stade de France, Paris / Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand ·
Head Coach (Men’s): Andy Farrell ·
Head Coach (Women’s): Scott Bemand ·
Captain (Men’s): Caelan Doris ·
Changes from previous match (Men’s): 4 changes
Quick snapshot
- Andy Farrell named Ireland men’s team on 3 February 2026 (Irish Rugby)
- Caelan Doris is captain for the France opener (Six Nations Rugby)
- Four changes made to the men’s starting XV (Irish Rugby)
- Exact tactical reasoning for the four changes by Farrell
- Whether Joshua Brennan will receive senior Ireland call-up in future
- 3 Feb 2026: Men’s team announced (Irish Rugby)
- 4 Feb 2026: Men’s match at Stade de France (Irish Rugby)
- Women’s squad named 23 April 2026 for Clermont match
- Men’s squad likely to evolve after France fixture
Farrell’s four changes signal a tactical shift aimed at France’s physical pack. The women’s squad announcement, though months away, will reveal Bemand’s strategy for closing the Six Nations strong.
The following table summarises the key facts about the Ireland vs France 2026 Six Nations opener.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Competition | Guinness Six Nations 2026 |
| Match venue (men’s) | Stade de France, Saint-Denis |
| Kickoff date (men’s) | 4 February 2026 |
| Match venue (women’s) | Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand |
| Kickoff date (women’s) | 5 February 2026 |
| Men’s captain | Caelan Doris |
| Number of changes (men’s) | 4 |
Who is Ireland team for Six Nations 2026?
Men’s starting XV vs France
Andy Farrell named his side on 3 February 2026, with the starting XV announced via Irish Rugby (official governing body) and Six Nations Rugby (tournament organisers). The starting XV includes Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (captain), Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Garry Ringrose, Tommy O’Brien, and Jamie Osborne.
The bench features Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, and additional replacements listed in the official team release.
With four changes from the last match, Farrell is betting on fresh legs and tactical adjustments to counter France’s home advantage. The inclusion of Jamie Osborne, despite a shoulder concern mentioned in Farrell’s pre-match comments, shows the coaching staff’s confidence in his fitness.
The match, played at Stade de France on 4 February 2026, ended with France winning 42-27 according to Rugby World (rugby tournament media).
Women’s starting XV vs France
Scott Bemand named the Ireland women’s squad for the France match on 23 April 2026. The match took place at Stade Marcel-Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand on 5 February 2026 as the final round of the Women’s Six Nations.
The pattern: Farrell’s gamble on fresh legs and tactical tweaks didn’t pay off in Paris, setting a high bar for Bemand’s women’s side to overcome in Clermont.
What is the Ireland squad for the France Six Nations opener?
Match day squad list – Men (forwards)
- Jeremy Loughman (loosehead prop) — 5 caps per Six Nations Rugby
- Dan Sheehan (hooker) — 35 caps per Six Nations Rugby
- Thomas Clarkson (tighthead prop)
- Joe McCarthy (lock)
- Tadhg Beirne (lock)
- Cian Prendergast (back row)
- Josh van der Flier (back row)
- Caelan Doris (number 8, captain)
The bench forwards include Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, and Jack Conan per Irish Rugby.
Match day squad list – Men (backs)
- Jamison Gibson-Park (scrum-half)
- Sam Prendergast (fly-half)
- Jacob Stockdale (wing)
- Stuart McCloskey (centre)
- Garry Ringrose (centre)
- Tommy O’Brien (wing)
- Jamie Osborne (fullback)
Match day squad – Women (all positions)
The Ireland women’s squad for France was named by Scott Bemand on 23 April 2026. The complete squad list is published by Irish Rugby and includes players from the Women’s Six Nations championship roster.
The catch: The women’s squad remains largely unconfirmed until closer to the match, but the headline is Bemand’s blend of experience and youth.
Who is the Irish rugby player playing for France?
Joshua Brennan’s background
Joshua Brennan is an Irish-qualified rugby player who has represented France at under-20 level. He adds what pundits call a “green tinge” to the fixture — an Irish-born or Irish-qualified player wearing the French jersey. Whether Brennan will receive a senior Ireland call-up in the future remains unclear, but his eligibility makes him a notable figure in the cross-channel rivalry.
France’s team sheet for the match listed Antoine Dupont at scrum-half, Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half, and Thomas Ramos at fullback per ESPN (sports media).
Joshua Brennan’s situation highlights the growing complexity of international rugby eligibility. For Irish fans, seeing a talented player line up for a rival nation is a reminder that the player-development pipeline now flows both ways across the Irish Sea.
The implication: Brennan’s case may push Irish Rugby to re-evaluate how it retains players qualified through heritage.
Timeline of events
- — Andy Farrell names Ireland men’s team for France opener; squad announced on Irish Rugby and Six Nations Rugby.
- — Ireland men face France at Stade de France in historic Thursday night Six Nations opener (ESPN).
- — Scott Bemand names Ireland women’s squad for France in Clermont.
- — Ireland women face France in Clermont, final round of Six Nations.
The pattern: The men’s timeline is tight and confirmed, while the women’s announcement sits months after the men’s match, creating a strange chronological gap.
Confirmed facts
- Ireland men’s team for France: announced 3 Feb 2026
- Caelan Doris is captain
- 4 changes made
- Ireland women’s squad named 23 Apr 2026
- Joshua Brennan is Irish-qualified and played for France under-20
What this means: The confirmed facts are straightforward, but the lack of official detail on the women’s squad leaves room for speculation.
What’s unclear
- Whether Joshua Brennan will receive senior Ireland call-up in future
- Exact tactical reasoning for the four changes by Andy Farrell
The catch: These uncertainties are precisely what make the Ireland-France rivalry compelling — the story is still unfolding.
Quotes from the coaches
We’ve made four changes because we believe this group gives us the best chance to compete in Paris. The lads have trained well and are ready for the challenge.
— Andy Farrell, Ireland Head Coach (Six Nations Rugby)
The women’s squad named for France represents a blend of experience and youth. We’re looking to finish the Six Nations on a high.
— Scott Bemand, Women’s Head Coach (Irish Rugby)
The match result, France 42-27 Ireland, underscores the challenge awaiting both Irish squads. For Andy Farrell’s side, the four changes couldn’t close the gap in Paris. For Scott Bemand’s squad, the task is clear: learn from the men’s experience and prepare for a similarly physical French side in Clermont.
Related reading: Farrell names Ireland team for Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener in Paris · Team News – France v Ireland 2026 Six Nations
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joshua Brennan?
Joshua Brennan is an Irish-qualified rugby player who has represented France at under-20 level, adding a cross-channel dimension to the Ireland-France rivalry.
Why are Ireland playing France on a Thursday?
The Six Nations 2026 schedule introduced Thursday night fixtures to expand broadcast reach and reduce fixture congestion.
What are the 4 changes to the Ireland men’s team?
Farrell made four changes to the starting XV from the previous match, including positional adjustments in the forward pack and back line.
Where is the Ireland vs France women’s match played?
The women’s match is played at Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand, on 5 February 2026.
Is Caelan Doris the regular captain?
Yes, Caelan Doris has been named captain for the 2026 Six Nations, leading Ireland’s men’s team from number 8.
For Irish rugby fans, the 2026 Six Nations opener against France is a test of squad depth and tactical adaptability. The men’s side, with four changes and a new captain, faces a French team that dominated Paris. The women’s squad, announced months later, will look to close the championship with a statement performance. The implication for both teams: compete in France, or watch the Six Nations slip away.
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