Ulster’s Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu will make their Six Nations debuts as part of a much-changed Ireland side for Saturday’s game against Italy (14:10 GMT) in Dublin.
Andy Farrell makes six alterations to the side that fell to a disappointing 36-14 defeat by France in their opening game in Paris last week.
Baloucoune, who has scored six tries for Ulster this season, won the last of his four Ireland caps in November 2022 and replaces Tommy O’Brien on the right wing.
Izuchukwu, who missed the autumn Tests because of injury, is named at blind-side flanker in a shaken-up back row with Jack Conan starting at eight and captain Caelan Doris moving to open-side.
Munster second row Edwin Edogbo is set to make his international debut after being named on the bench.
“In congratulating all of the 23 on their selection, I would like to single out Edwin [Edogbo] on his first selection for the senior team,” said Farrell.
“A product of the club game with Cobh Pirates and UCC (University College Cork), he has shown real quality in his performances for Munster and in training with us over recent times.
“We will aim to make it a special day for Edwin, his family and all those who have played a part in his journey to date.”
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