Irish Rugby

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Ireland debutant Jack Boyle said it was a "special feeling" to get his first cap in the Six Nations victory over Wales.

The Leinster prop came on for the final 10 minutes at the Principality Stadium and helped his side to earn an important scrum penalty to close out the 27-18 win.

"It's an incredible buzz. It's a different feeling, 80,000 and the whole country behind you. It's a special feeling.

"You can't really put it into words. Obviously I've played in big matches [for Leinster] like Bristol in the Heineken Cup but nothing really prepares you for this, in the Principality.

"I just tried to prepare myself as best as possible for whatever minute I was going to be called upon. Luckily, I got on in the end and added a bit to the win."

The 22-year-old grew up with Cian Healy as "an idol" and said that Ireland's most capped player has been a huge help in his adjustment to professional rugby, as have other props in the Leinster and Ireland squads Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong.

"Cian Healy presented me with my cap, it was unbelievably special," he added.

"They've been a massive, massive influence. I suppose when I came into the set-up two or three years ago, it was not only Church [Healy] and Porter, but Tadhg Furlong as well.

"They've all been unbelievable people to me first and foremost, helping me off the pitch, making sure I have everything aligned so you can perform in training and perform if you get an opportunity."

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Ulster back-row Cormac Izuchukwu will be out for a "number of weeks" after sustaining an ankle injury in his side's defeat to Benetton earlier this month.

The forward, who won his first Ireland cap in November's win over Fiji, came off early in Ulster's 34-19 loss in Treviso and was withdrawn from international selection for Saturday's win over Wales.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy will also be without Iain Henderson [hamstring] for Saturday's home United Rugby Championship game against the Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium but could be boosted by the return from injuries of Jake Flannery [hamstring] and Michael Lowry [concussion].

Both players will have their fitness assessed throughout the week after coming off injured alongside Izuchukwu in Italy, while John Cooney is also being monitored this week after suffering a calf injury in training.

"John had a light run today [Monday] and we'll see where he is tomorrow. We're hopeful he might be available for the game at the weekend," Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"Mikey [Lowry] is returning from concussion and was back in return-to-play contact on Monday. He looks like he will be ok.

"Werner Kok saw a specialist on Monday and he is returning to full contact this week so he may play at the weekend but we'll need to get him through Tuesday and Thursday and see where he's at."

Meanwhile Ulster have increased their options in the front row by agreeing a short-term deal for loose-head prop Sam Crean.

The Irish-qualified forward joins from Saracens.

Ulster sit 14th in the URC table with four wins from 11 outings ahead of the visit of the Scarlets to Belfast on Saturday.

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Josh van der Flier says Ireland will look to "press on" against France after securing the Six Nations Triple Crown with a hard-fought victory over a resurgent Wales in Cardiff.

After losing Garry Ringrose to a 20-minute red card, Ireland recovered from an 18-10 deficit to win 28-17 and move to within two wins of a third straight title and a second Grand Slam in three attempts.

Ireland host France, who hammered Italy 73-24 on Sunday, in Dublin on 8 March before taking on the Italians in their final game in Rome a week later.

"As we always say, we'll take each game as it comes but today was particularly special because of the prospect of a Triple Crown," said Van der Flier, who has played every minute of Ireland's campaign.

"We've won it a few times recently but even speaking to my grandad, he was saying that when he was a kid, the Triple Crown was the only thing we'd ever get to play for really and it was special when we won one.

"We're pleased with that but obviously we'll be looking to press on against France next and give it all in that game and see how we go."

While Ireland blew England away in the second half and proved too strong for Scotland, they were pushed all the way by a rejuvenated Wales playing their first match under interim boss Matt Sherratt.

"It was a special match to be involved in to see how hard the lads worked for each other," added the 2022 world player of the year.

"One lad [Cian Prendergast] had to drop out this morning because he was sick, it can be messy, it's a physical game

"There's a lot going on, especially away from home, it's always tricky.

"There's a lot of pride to be a part of the group, the lads managed to dig deep and pull a win out because it was different than the last two games but importantly we managed to turn it into a win."

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Ireland captain Dan Sheehan hailed the impact of his side's bench in Saturday's 27-18 win over Wales in Cardiff as they survived a major scare to clinch the Triple Crown and keep alive their Grand Slam hopes.

"That was exactly what we expected, a proper Test game in a beautiful stadium in front of some seriously passionate fans," Sheehan told BBC One.

"Fair play to Wales, that was a proper Test match and I'd say we'll feel it for a few days, but I'm proud of the boys.

"We said it all week, they'd have their purple patches and their moments of strength.

"We just have to stick to what we do all the time, that's our process, it's staying calm, we didn't panic and we had to eke it out one minute at a time. That's what all those lads have practised for years.

"We rely heavily on our bench. They came on and made a massive impact, James Ryan, Bundee [Aki] both made a huge impact to lift the boys with fresh energy.

"That was the making of the game there, relying on our bench to bring that energy."

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Ireland scrum-half and player of the match Jamison Gibson-Park gave his thoughts on his side's 27-18 Six Nations win over Wales in Cardiff.

"We have to give a lot of credit to Wales, it was very tough out there today," Gibson-Park said on BBC One.

"They're an unbelievable team, a proud nation and they sure showed that today.

"It'd be a dangerous thing to come over here with any pre-conceived ideas, playing here against Wales was always going to be tough and sure they proved that to us today.

"It's mentally tough more than anything. We're lucky to have a some pretty good coaches so we were well prepared for those things."

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Men's Six Nations: Wales v Ireland

Venue: Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app; listen live on BBC Radio Ulster; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app

Ireland prop Andrew Porter admits being picked for this summer's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia "burns away" in the back of his mind.

Porter was selected for the squad that toured South Africa in 2021, but was forced to withdraw with a toe injury sustained playing for Leinster.

The 29-year-old harbours ambitions of being picked for this year's series but knows he cannot think too far ahead with so much rugby to come for club and country.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it [selection], it's in the back of my mind but I can't let it distract me," said the Leinster loose-head.

"I've got so much going on in my personal life with my wife pregnant and with everything going on here with Ireland, I have plenty on my plate to keep me busy in the meantime."

Ireland have maximum points from their opening two Six Nations games after bonus-point victories over England and Scotland.

They travel to Cardiff on Saturday to take on Wales, who are playing their first game under interim head coach Matt Sherratt.

The Welsh are currently on a 14-game losing streak, but Porter insists Ireland will not take the challenge lightly.

"We know the talent Wales have in their squad and when they're on their day they can play some great rugby," he explained.

"We're preparing as best we can, and our standards have been great so far and we're looking to raise them again."

He is also excited at the prospect of playing at the Principality Stadium once again, where Ireland spoiled Warren Gatland's return as coach with a 34-10 win in 2023.

"Wales are a different team when they play at home, and they take a lot of pride playing at the Principality.

"I've been on both sides of it, winning and losing over there and it's always a great atmosphere under the closed roof."

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Hooker Dan Sheehan says it is a "massive honour" to lead out Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales.

The 26-year-old will captain his side for the first time in the absence of the injured Caelan Doris.

Ireland can secure the Triple Crown with victory over Wales, who have lost their past 14 Test matches.

"I've made a point to myself not to think about it too much," said Sheehan, who added it was a "big deal" to join some of Ireland's most established names as captain.

"I'm very comfortable in the group and it hasn't got to me too much. I've been enjoying the week, really. It's been nice. My phone has been blowing up a bit.

"We've had a great week of prep and everyone is looking forward to it."

'All eyes are on Wales'

While it will be a proud day for Sheehan, the Leinster hooker said his sole focus was helping Ireland to victory in Cardiff.

They have beaten England and Scotland in their opening Six Nations matches and are favourites to beat Wales, who will be led by Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt after Warren Gatland left his role as head coach.

"That's the only thing on my mind, getting a performance," added Sheehan, who admitted the Principality Stadium can be a "daunting" venue.

"We've done well in the last two weeks but we had patches in the games where we weren't at our best.

"There were areas we really needed to work on to get an 80-minute performance, so that is one of he things we've talked about.

"All eyes are on Wales and there's not been one word talked about any other game. It's massive for us and it's a great stadium to play in."

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Ulster trio Jude Postlethwaite, Nathan Doak and Tom O'Toole have been named in the Ireland 'A' starting team for Sunday's game against England 'A' in Bristol (13:00 GMT).

O'Toole joins skipper Max Deegan, Ciaran Frawley and Shane Daly as the four Ireland full caps named in the starting side for the Ashton Gate contest.

The replacements bench also including full internationals Oli Jager and Harry Byrne.

Scrum-half Doak, who was a late call-up to the squad after Ben Murphy was ruled out, partners Frawley in the half-backs with Jude Postlethwaite named at centre alongside Connacht's Hugh Gavin.

Munster's Daly starts at full-back with Tommy O'Brien and Shayne Bolton occupying the wing berths.

In the pack, O'Toole joins Diarmuid Barron and Jack Aungier in the front row with Evan O'Connell and Darragh Murray selected in the lock roles.

Deegan leads the side from blindside flanker as he joins Alex Kendellen and Sean Jansen in the back row.

"There has been a good edge to training this week and I've been really impressed by the application of the squad since meeting up on Monday," said Ireland 'A' coach Mike Prendergast.

"With a summer tour to Georgia and Portugal coming up, Sunday presents another chance to impress."

Ireland 'A': Shane Daly (Munster); Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht), Shayne Bolton (Connacht); Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Nathan Doak (Ulster); Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Diarmuid Barron (Munster); Jack Aungier (Connacht); Evan O'Connell (Munster); Darragh Murray (Connacht); Max Deegan (Leinster) capt, Alex Kendellen (Munster), Sean Jansen (Connacht)

Replacements: Stephen Smyth (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Oli Jager (Munster), Conor O'Tighearnaigh (Leinster), Alex Soroka (Leinster), Fintan Gunne (Leinster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Brian Gleeson (Munster)

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Ireland prop Linda Djougang will start for Celtic Challenge pacesetters the Wolfhounds in Saturday's away game against fourth-placed Edinburgh.

Djougang's inclusion is the only change to the starting Wolfhound pack for the Round 8 game at Hive Stadium (14:00 GMT).

Ella Roberts has been named in the Ireland Sevens squad for this weekend's tournament in Vancouver so Amy Larn switches to full-back with Katie Corrigan drafted in at wing.

Leah Tarpey replaces Eve Higgins to partner Aoife Dalton in the centre while Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton starts at 10 alongside the experienced Molly Scufil-McCabe.

Ulster player Claire Boles will skipper the Wolfhounds as she is named in a starting line-up that includes her provincial team-mates Maebh Clenaghan, Fiona Tuite and Brittany Hogan.

The Clovers, meanwhile, face Brython Thunder at Parc Y Scarlets in an 11:30 GMT kick-off on Saturday.

Amee Leigh Costigan will skipper the Clovers as she's joined in the back three by Méabh Deely and Chisom Ugwueru

Anna McGann and Kate Flannery are drafted into the centre roles with Caitriona Finn partnering Emily Lane in the half-backs.

There's an all new front row with Grainne Burke, Emily Gavin and Saoirse Crowe handed starts

Aoibhe Flynn comes in to the second row to partner Jane Neill while Brianna Heylman is joined in the back row by Faith Oviawe and Jemima Adams Verling.

Wolfhounds: Amy Larn (Athy/Leinster); Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow/Leinster), Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Leah Tarpey (Railway Union/Leinster), Katie Corrigan (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Leinster); Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Maebh Clenaghan (Queens/Cooke/Ulster), Christy Haney (Blackrock/Leinster); Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere/Ulster), Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair (Blackrock College/Leinster); Claire Boles (Railway Union/Ulster) capt, Erin King (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere/Ulster)

Replacements: Kelly Burke (Mullingar/Leinster), Tricia Doyle (Railway Union/Leinster), Sophie McAllister (Ballymena/Ulster), Poppy Garvey (Railway Union/Connacht), Molly Boyne (Railway Union/Leinster), Erin McConnell (Wicklow/Leinster), Ella Durkan (Blackrock College/Ulster), Lauren Farrell McCabe (Suttonians/Ulster)

Clovers: Méabh Deely (Blackrock/Connacht); Amee Leigh Costigan (Railway Union/Munster) capt, Anna McGann (Railway Union), Kate Flannery (UL Bohemian/Munster), Chisom Ugwueru (UL Bohemian/Munster); Caitriona Finn (UL Bohemian/Munster), Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Munster); Grainne Burke (UL Bohemian/Munster), Emily Gavin (Railway Union/Connacht), Saoirse Crowe (Shannon RFC/Munster); Jane Neill (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Aoibhe O'Flynn (UL Bohemians/Munster); Brianna Heylmann (UL Bohemian/Munster), Faith Oviawe (Railway Union/Connacht), Jemima Adams Verling (Creggs/Connacht)

Replacements: Beth Buttimer (UL Bohemian/Munster), Ellen Connolly (Galwegians/Connacht), Ella Burns (Tuam-Oughterard/Connacht), Ailish Quinn (Galwegians/Connacht), Deribhile Nic a Bháird (Old Belvedere/Munster), Grainne Moran (Galwegians/Connacht), Nicole Fowley (Galwegians/Connacht), Aoife Corey (UL Bohemians/Munster)

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Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park says his half-back partner Sam Prendergast has been "impressive" in his two Six Nations appearances so far.

Prendergast has been retained at fly-half for Saturday's game in Wales after starting in the wins over England and Scotland.

The 21-year-old scored 12 points against the Scots in his first away game for Ireland and Gibson-Park has praised his impact amid the intense scrutiny that comes with being a starting fly-half.

"He's been very good for someone of his age, he's been impressive, and he has taken everything in his stride," said Gibson-Park.

"It is the nature of the best, being an Irish 10 you come under huge pressure, but he's handled it unbelievably well and I'm happy for him."

Gibson-Park also reflected on what has aided his own good start to the tournament which has helped leaders Ireland register maximum points ahead of facing Wales.

"Over the autumn, things were tricky, we didn't perform to our level, so I was looking forward to getting back in and righting a few wrongs that way," added the 32-year-old.

"I think I'm really enjoying it here and my start to the season with Leinster. I'm happy to be part of two pretty successful teams.

"My drive to keep getting better is still there and long may it continue."

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Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby says he has had no contact from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) about replacing Warren Gatland as head coach.

Wales parted ways with Gatland last week, and while Matt Sherratt has taken interim charge, Easterby is thought to be one of the WRU's top targets.

However, Easterby - who lives in Wales and formerly captained and coached Scarlets - dismissed "speculation" around his future.

"I didn't really know that I had been linked, but of course there's been speculation and that's all it is: speculation," Easterby said after naming his team to face Wales in Saturday's Six Nations gam in Cardiff.

"I'm not in control of that. I love what I do here. I've been in this position with the team for a long time and I'm very fortunate with the people I get to work with, both management and players, and for me that's a dream job.

"Speculation is exactly that, it's speculation and it's not something I can control."

Former Ireland international Easterby began his coaching career with Scarlets before joining the Irish backroom team in 2014.

The Yorkshire-born 49-year-old has stepped up to lead the team this year while head coach Andy Farrell is seconded with the British and Irish Lions.

"Right now, this is my only focus and whatever happens in the future... in a year's time you could lose your job and we know in sport it's fairly fluid around people moving from thing to thing," added Easterby.

"Whatever's gone on, I've had no contact from the WRU, so for me it's all guns blazing towards Cardiff on Saturday and making sure me and the other coaches prepare the team in the right way. Whatever speculation goes on outside of that is outside of my control."