Rugby: Farrell names strong squad for Springboks visit to Dublin

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named one of his strongest Ireland squads for Saturday’s final Autumn Series clash against South Africa at Dublin's Aviva Stadium (5.40pm).

Captain Caelan Doris leads the side from the back row as Farrell’s side welcome the Springboks to Dublin for the final Test of 2025.

Mack Hansen continues at full-back, with Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe either side of him on the wings. There is a new centre pairing for Ireland this week as Bundee Aki partners the fit-again Garry Ringrose, with McCloskey out injured.

Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park continue in the half-backs.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are the starting front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, as Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Doris complete the Ireland starting team in the back row.

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell provide the backline reinforcements.

Commenting ahead of Saturday, Farrell said: “South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively.

“The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home. There’s familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025.”

Ireland squad to play South Africa, Aviva Stadium, Saturday November 22 (5.40pm)

15-9: Mack Hansen (Connacht), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht)(67), James Lowe (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1-8: Andrew Porter (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster) (C)

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Jack Conan (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Tom Farrell (Munster)