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McNabney set for debut as Irish make seven changes
Ireland have made seven changes for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Fiji, with Ulster’s James McNabney in line for a possible Test debut from the bench. The selection reflects injuries across the squad and gives Nick Timoney his first Test start at number eight, while Mack Hansen returns at full-back.
McNabney, 23, has started only once for Ulster this season after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Ireland also bring in Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Tommy O’Brien, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ronan Kelleher and James Ryan; Josh van der Flier is recalled, while Dan Sheehan is unavailable with concussion. Ireland have won three of four matches and sit third in the northern hemisphere standings; Fiji are bottom of their table, without a point, and have never beaten Ireland.
In short
- McNabney could make his Ireland debut off the bench.
- Timoney is set for his first Test start at number eight.
- Ireland have made seven changes to face Fiji.
Explained simply
Ireland and Fiji are national rugby union sides who meet in international Test matches. They are competing in the Nations Championship, a tournament that brings together teams from the northern and southern hemispheres.
Ireland’s squad includes players from domestic clubs and provinces, including Ulster, where James McNabney plays. A Test debut is a player’s first appearance for their national side; selection from the bench means McNabney would start as a substitute and could be brought on during the match.
The result affects each team’s position in the competition. Ireland have won most of their matches so far, while Fiji are still seeking their first points, and the teams have not previously beaten each other.