Ryan Returns To Second Row For Ireland

Missing last weekend’s 6 Nations opener against Scotland due to a medial ligament niggle, Donnacha Ryan returns to the second row for Ireland’s encounter with Italy on Saturday and is one of eight Munster players included by Head Coach Joe Schmidt in the matchday 23.

Back row CJ Stander joins Ryan in the Irish pack with Conor Murray, Keith Earls and Simon Zebo retaining their starting positions in the backline.

John Ryan, Niall Scannell and Ian Keatley are again named amongst the replacements.

Ireland team to face Italy in round 2 of the 2017 RBS 6 Nations at the Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.25 Irish time.

15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Conor Murray
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements
16. Niall Scannell
17. Jack McGrath
18. John Ryan
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Josh van der Flier
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Ian Keatley
23. Craig Gilroy