Wing Tommy O’Brien and lock Darragh Murray will play their first match for Ireland on Saturday when they take on Georgia in Tbilisi. Interim coach Paul O’Connell announced the squad, which does not include 16 players currently with the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
Tommy O’Brien will be part of the back three along with Jacob Stockdale on the wing and Jimmy O’Brien at full-back. The centre pair will be Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne. Sam Prendergast has been named at fly-half, while Craig Casey will play as scrum-half and captain the team for the first time.
In the front row, Gus McCarthy will start as hooker, with Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson as the props. Cormac Izuchukwu and debutant Darragh Murray will form the second row. The back row will include Gavin Coombes at number eight, supported by Ryan Baird and Nick Timoney.
Four more players could earn their first caps from the bench: props Michael Milne and Jack Aungier, lock Tom Ahern, and scrum-half Ben Murphy.
Coach O’Connell said the match is a great chance for these players to prove themselves. He praised Craig Casey’s leadership, saying he has taken on the captaincy role with confidence and is eager to lead the team well.
Even though the squad doesn’t have much international experience, O’Connell believes it has a good mix of youth and experienced players. Ireland has previously played five Test matches against Georgia—and won all of them.
Ireland team vs Georgia:
- Jimmy O’Brien, 14. Tommy O’Brien, 13. Jamie Osborne, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Craig Casey (captain)
- Gavin Coombes, 7. Nick Timoney, 6. Ryan Baird, 5. Darragh Murray, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 2. Gus McCarthy, 1. Jack Boyle.
8. Gavin Coombes, 7. Nick Timoney, 6. Ryan Baird, 5. Darragh Murray, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 2. Gus McCarthy, 1. Jack Boyle.
Who are Tommy O’Brien and Darragh Murray?
Tommy O’Brien is a talented Irish back known for his speed and versatility, while Darragh Murray is a promising young lock. Both players have impressed at club level and are now getting their first chance to play for the national team.
What match are they debuting in?
They are making their debuts in the international rugby match between Ireland and Georgia.
When is the Ireland vs Georgia match scheduled?
The exact date and time depend on the tournament schedule, but it’s part of Ireland’s ongoing summer internationals or test series.
What positions do they play?
Tommy O’Brien typically plays as a wing or centre, while Darragh Murray plays as a lock in the forward pack.
