Dan Sheehan has been named captain of a much-changed Ireland team for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff. With fellow hooker Ronan Kelleher ruled out by a neck injury and regular skipper Caelan Doris sidelined with a knee issue, Sheehan will captain the side.

Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park are retained as the half-back pairing. Ireland are coached by Wales target Simon Easterby and a victory will see the visitors clinch a Triple Crown. "Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us," said Easterby.

IRELAND Coach Simon Easterby has named the Ireland Men’s Match Day Squad for Saturday’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium, kick-off 2.15pm. Following victories over England and Scotland, Ireland travel to Cardiff to face Wales in Saturday’s Round 3 encounter.

Dan Sheehan will captain unbeaten Ireland in Saturday’s Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff after both Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher were ruled out through injury, the Irish Rugby Union said on Thursday.

Dan Sheehan is named captain of a much-changed Ireland team for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff.

Sheehan is promoted to the starting side in one of seven changes, with the hooker skippering in the stead of the absent Caelan Doris

Dan Sheehan will skipper Ireland against Wales in the third round of the Six Nations in Cardiff on Saturday in the absence of regular captain Caelan Doris. Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby named hooker Sheehan as captain,