Andy Farrell believes stand-in loosehead prop Jeremy Loughman has “all the attributes” to excel in Test rugby after backing the Munster front-rower to take on France in the absence of a trio of injured alternatives.
The loss of three looseheads in advance of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations would give concern to any Test side but the task has fallen to the 30-year-old, whose most recent of five caps came off the bench against Italy two years ago.
Munster team-mate Mikey Milne, with two caps earned last summer against Georgia and Portugal, is named on the bench to cover Loughman and the pair represent Ireland’s fourth and fifth choices for their position with Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle all ruled out through injury.
Ireland are also without first-choice tighthead Tadhg Furlong, meaning an opportunity for Thomas Clarkson to win his 11th cap at Stade de France, backed up by Finlay Bealham and the head coach sees confidence coursing through the veins of the starting props after impressing on the training field during last week’s pre-championship camp in Portugal.
“Set-piece, first, is huge, but you look at Tom Clarkson, he’s been in and around the group now for a couple of years and everyone would say France away is a big test for any young prop, but you can see him finding his feet at this level, taking control of stuff, you can see the confidence that he’s building.
“He’s being more of his aggressive self, etc. So, that’s certainly going to make him a better player for us on Thursday night and in the future.
“Jez has all the attributes to be a fantastic loosehead at this level and he’s been fighting hard to get back into this squad, and here’s his chance. He is that type of player, isn’t he? Set-piece first, and he’s been pretty impressive in training this week, so we’re looking forward to seeing those two lads go for it.
“Where we’re at now for me, that’s exciting.
“That’s what you need to grab hold of and move with it and see what we can certainly do not just in the near future. I hope this type of experience will stand to us in the here and now as well, that’s the aim.”
Farrell was surprised to learn that Loughman is undefeated in an Ireland jersey having debuted as a starter against Fiji in November 2022 before four appearances in 2023-24, including a World Cup appearance against Romania in addition to that Six Nations debut off the bench against Italy.
“I didn’t know that. I’m going to tell everyone that when I get back there. Lucky mascot,” the Ireland boss said of Loughman.
“It is a good day for him, and it is a big opportunity, and he’s certainly trained like that. In the last couple of days, he’s making sure that we get out of our own way and make sure that we fit into just what the team needs.
“He knows that, he knows that and … being diligent enough within his preparation to hang on in there and take his chance, and he’s certainly done that.
“So, yes, he needs to be himself and add to the team, and not hope that he just fits in. And that’s for everyone in the squad.”
