Six Nations: Ulster's McCloskey involved against Wales this weekend

Stuart McCloskey is the only Ulster player involved in the Ireland squad for this weekend's Six Nations clash at home to Wales.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named almost the same starting XV that beat France in the opening round, with the only change from that victory in Marseille coming in the backs as Ciaran Frawley replacing the injured Hugo Keenan.

Captain Peter O’Mahony returns to the starting line-up for the clash against Warren Gatland‘s side, while in the absence of Keenan, Frawley partners Calvin Nash and James Lowe in the back three for his first test start in green.

Bundee Aki returns to continue his midfield partnership with Robbie Henshaw, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley start at scrum-half and out-half respectively.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are named in the front row, with Joe McCarthy continuing in the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne. O’Mahony skippers the team from the back row, alongside Josh van der Flier at openside flanker and Caelan Doris at number eight.

Farrell has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, as Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, the uncapped Oli Jager, James Ryan, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan provide the reinforcements in the pack.

McCloskey and Conor Murray complete Ireland’s Matchday 23.

Ireland squad to face Italy, Saturday February 24th (2.15pm), Aviva Stadium

15-9: Ciaran Frawley, Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park

1-8: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony (C), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Oli Jager, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Stuart McCloskey