2 Kildare men selected for Ireland's Six Nations opener as 3 championship debuts handed out

Kildare's Joey Carbery has been named in the Irish 23-man squad for their Six Nations opener against France this Saturday in Paris.

Carbery has played just once for Leinster since injuring his wrist in the November international win over Fiji, with his return for the blues against Montpelier almost two weeks' ago putting him back in contention for selection. The Athy man has been named on the bench for Ireland, most likely giving cover for outhalf Johnny Sexton.

Suncroft's Fergus McFadden has also been included in the squad as a utility option on the bench, with the versatile Leinster veteran able to offer cover right across the backline.

Up front the big call has seen James Ryan handed his first Six Nations start in the place of Devin Toner, while Josh van Der Flier takes over at openside flanker from the injured Sean O'Brien. Bundee Aki will make his first appearance in the championship since gaining eligibility for Ireland under the residency rule, partnering Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

Jacob Stockdale is another who will be making his first start in the Six Nations, playing in the back three alongside Keith Earls and Rob Kearney.

Ireland XV to play France

15. Rob Kearney 14. Keith Earls 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Bundee Aki 11. Jacob Stockdale 10. Johnny Sexton 9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy 2. Rory Best (captain) 3. Tadhg Furlong 4. James Ryan 5. Iain Henderson 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. Josh van der Flier 8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin 17. Jack McGrath 18. John Ryan 19. Devin Toner 20. Dan Leavy 21. Luke McGrath 22. Joey Carbery 23. Fergus McFadden