Ireland makes nine changes, includes four debutants against Japan
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 6:38 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
Ireland has named a significantly altered squad for their Nations Championship match against Japan on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. Coach Andy Farrell has made nine changes following their narrow victory over Australia, with Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Bryn Ward set to make their international debuts. Ciaran Frawley earns his first Test start at fly-half in a restructured backline. Tadhg Beirne will captain the team for the first time, while several key players are rested for the encounter. Ireland aims to build on their previous victory against Japan, having won 41-10 in their last meeting in November.
- •Ireland faces Japan on July 11 in Newcastle.
- •Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Bryn Ward set for debuts.
- •Ciaran Frawley starts at fly-half.
- •Tadhg Beirne captains the team for the first time.
- •Ireland won their last match against Japan 41-10.
- 6:49 AMYahoo Sports — Four set for debuts as Ireland make nine changes
- 6:38 AMBBC Sport — Four set for debuts as Ireland make nine changes for Japan
- 5:40 AMYahoo Sports — Ireland name four debutants in much-changed team for Japan
"Four players are set to make their debuts for a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday's Nations Championship game against Japan.
"Four players are set to make their debuts for a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday's Nations Championship game against Japan.
"Tadhg Beirne will captain Andy Farrell’s side in their second Nations Championship game
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 6:49 AMFour set for debuts as Ireland make nine changes
Four players are set to make their debuts for a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday's Nations Championship game against Japan.
- BBC SportJul 9, 2026, 6:38 AMFour set for debuts as Ireland make nine changes for Japan
Four players are set to make their debuts for a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday's Nations Championship game against Japan.
- Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 5:40 AMIreland name four debutants in much-changed team for Japan
Tadhg Beirne will captain Andy Farrell’s side in their second Nations Championship game
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