SAM PRENDERGAST HAS been selected to start at out-half for Ireland in their Six Nations opener against England on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium [KO 4.45pm, Virgin Media One].

The 21-year-old will make his Six Nations debut in the Dublin clash, with interim head coach Simon Easterby giving him the nod ahead of Jack Crowley. The pair have been in a tight contest for the 10 jersey following Prendergast’s impressive displays in the November series. Both have been in strong form for their provinces, but Prendergast takes over from Crowley who was the starting out-half last year when Ireland won the Six Nations.

Meanwhile, Ryan Baird has also been included in the back-row, while Joe McCarthy is ruled out due to injury with Iain Henderson named among the replacements.

Caelan Doris captains the side from the number eight position while Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki join up in the centre, with Robbie Henshaw on the bench.

Ireland XV v England

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Mack Hansen
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter
2. Rónan Kelleher
3. Finlay Bealham
4. James Ryan
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan
17. Cian Healy
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Iain Henderson
20. Jack Conan
21. Conor Murray
22. Jack Crowley
23. Robbie Henshaw