Ireland captain Johnny Sexton returns to lineup for World Cup opener against Romania

Johnny Sexton is set to captain Ireland in their World Cup opener against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday.

The Leinster fly-half is available for selection following his three-match suspension for his treatment of match officials during his club’s Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle in Dublin last May.

Head Coach Andy Farrell is looking to lay down a marker with a strong team selection against Romania, who rank 19^th in world.

Tours ➡️ Bordeaux! #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/Zj4d3RR0Wl

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 7, 2023

Joining Sexton in the backline is Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum half, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose as the centre paring. James Lowe and veteran Keith Earls are the wingers while Hugo Keenan starts at fullback.

The front row contains Andrew Porter and Tadgh Furlong. Also present is Rob herring at hooker, stepping in for Dan Sheehan who is out with a foot injury.

The locks are 22-year-old Joe McCarthy alongside James Ryan. Peter O’Mahony starts at openside, with Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker and Caelan Doris at number eight.

Rónan Kelleher is welcomed to the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury which kept him out of Ireland’s warm-up games. Rounding off a strong set off replacements are Josh van der Flier, Conor Murray, Robbie Henshaw, Iain Henderson, Jeremy Loughman, youngster Jack Crowley and back-up prop Tom O’Toole.

Ireland vs Romania will kick off at 2.30pm (Irish time) on Saturday, and is being broadcasted by Virgin Media.