England team to play Ireland: 2025 Six Nations

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

The big news? Maro Itoje steps up as England captain for the very first time, becoming the 136th skipper since Frederick Stokes donned the armband back in 1871. Vice-captain Ellis Genge will be on hand to back him up in what promises to be a fiery encounter.

A Historic Rivalry
Saturday marks the 143rd showdown between England and Ireland, a rivalry that dates back to their inaugural clash in 1875.

The Front Row Powerhouse
Luke Cowan-Dickie gets the nod at hooker, flanked by loosehead Ellis Genge and tighthead Will Stuart.

Towering Locks
Itoje will partner Leicester’s George Martin in the engine room.

Curry Double Act in the Back Row
It’s a family affair in the back row as Tom Curry lines up on the blindside, joined by his twin brother Ben at openside. Ben Earl anchors the pack at No.8.

Smith and Mitchell Link Up at Half-Back
Alex Mitchell takes charge at scrum-half, linking up with Marcus Smith at fly-half.

Midfield Strength
Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade form an exciting centre partnership, offering power and creativity.

A Debut in the Back Three
Cadan Murley will make his England debut on the left wing, joining Tommy Freeman on the right and Freddie Steward at full-back.

Impact from the Bench
Borthwick has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, and Joe Heyes among the forwards, and Fin Smith and Harry Randall covering the backs.

Borthwick’s Rallying Cry
“We know Ireland are tournament favourites and a side full of cohesion,” said Borthwick. “We’ll need to be relentless, disciplined, and ready for the challenge. England versus Ireland in Dublin is always a special occasion, and we’re excited to rise to it.”

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 69 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 39 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 66 caps) – vice-captain
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 88 caps) – captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 37 caps)

Replacements
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 16 caps)
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 11 caps)
21. Tom Willis (Saracens, 1 cap)
22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
23. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

From pinpoint goal-kicking maestros to dynamic try-scoring machines, these legends have left their mark on the competition.

But how well do you know them? Can you guess who sits atop the leaderboard and who just sneaks into the top 10? Take the quiz and prove your rugby knowledge!