The Digester

Ireland make four changes as James Ryan ruled out for Triple Crown decider vs Scotland

Mar 12th 2026

Head coach Andy Farrell has made four changes after James Ryan was ruled out with a calf injury, restoring Joe McCarthy and Tommy O'Brien as Ireland need a win over Scotland on Saturday to keep title hopes and Triple Crown ambitions alive.

  • James Ryan is ruled out with a calf injury and will miss Saturday's Triple Crown decider in Dublin.
  • Andy Farrell made four changes with Joe McCarthy starting in the second row and Darragh Murray named among the replacements.
  • Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier return to the starting pack while Ronan Kelleher and Nick Timoney move to the bench.
  • Tommy O'Brien starts on the left wing in Farrell's only backline change.
  • Ireland must beat Scotland to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive and to secure a fourth Triple Crown in five years.