After a hectic Friday and Saturday of senior and U20s Six Nations action, the excitement looks set to live on through the weekend as a once-regular Ireland 'A' v England 'A' fixture returns to our screens for the first time since 2015.
The Ireland 'A' side will be coached by a decorated team of provincial coaches including Sean O'Brien and led by Munster's interim head-coach Ian Costello, The honour of captaining the side has been bestowed on Max Deegan, while the side's marquee outhalf will be Ciaran Frawley who was released from first team duty to take on the role.
Ahead of all the action this Sunday, here's all the info you need on how to watch Ireland 'A' v England 'A':
When is Ireland 'A' v England 'A'
Ireland 'A' v England 'A' will be live from Ashton Gate, Bristol this Sunday the 23rd of February, with kickoff set for 1 pm.
How to watch Ireland 'A' v England 'A'
While the game is not set to be shown on terrestrial TV, Rugbypass TV will be live streaming Ireland 'A' v England 'A' for free this Sunday from 1 pm.
23 February 2025; Ciaran Frawley and Max Deegan of Ireland walk the pitch before the representative fixture rugby union match between England A and Ireland A at Ashton Gate in Bristol, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
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Ireland 'A'
Despite being coined the 'a' team, Ian Costello's matchday 23 has no shortage of superstars and up-and-comers. Last summer's South Africa hero Ciaran Frawley is set to start at out-half for the side, while deputising for him on the bench is Harry Byrne, who has been enjoying a glittering stint at Bristol who now sit just second in the Premiership table.
Meanwhile, Max Deegan is set to captain the side from eight, with the Leinster regular hoping to put his name in contention to add to his two Irish caps. Three other capped internationals join Frawley, Bryne and Deegan; Shane Daly who starts at 15, Tom O'Toole who'll don the one jersey and Oli Jager who'll appear from the bench.
As well as the tried and tested, Sunday's game will provide a host of Irish hopefuls with the chance to show what they can do in green, with head coach Ian Costello claiming it was an important time for players to put their name in the hat to replace a now inevitable exodus of Irish stars for this summer's Lions Tour.
Well that's the thing. The opportunities could arrive, depending on what happens with the Lions, I’m sure we’ll have some players going, maybe a bulk of players.
And that will open opportunity, potentially for players in this group or even players who might have a very strong end to the season, that aren't in this group at the moment.
The team in full is:
That's all the info you need on how to watch Ireland 'A' v England 'A' on Sunday, February 23rd at Ashton Gate.
