Tom Farrell has been handed his Ireland debut by head coach Andy Farrell for Saturday's meeting with Japan at Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).
The Munster centre, who wasn't included in the original Quilter Nations Series squad last month, has now been rewarded for his exceptional form with a Test debut, among eight changes from last week's defeat to New Zealand.
It marks an incredible turnaround in the career of the 32-year-old, who will be the oldest man to make his Irish debut since Nathan White did so in 2015, a couple of weeks shy of his 34th birthday.
The Dublin native had previously earned an Ireland call-up in 2019, only to be ruled out due to injury, and his career appeared to be at a crossroads just under two years ago when he was released by Connacht, only for Munster to swoop in and offer him a contract.
Farrell was voted the province's player of the year in his first season at Munster, and has played a starring role in their 100% start to the new season, leading to his first international cap.
"Tom becomes our latest debutant and his is a real Roy of the Rovers story when you look at his journey in the game to this point," head coach Andy Farrell said.
"Tom has worked really hard to earn the right to represent his country and I know how proud he is to be involved this weekend after knocking on the selection door for the last few seasons.
"In congratulating him on his selection, I would like to wish Tom the best of luck."
Farrell's inclusion is one of eight changes from the side that were defeated 26-13 by the All Blacks, with four changes each in the forwards and backs.
Caelan Doris (above) headlines the changes up front, with the number 8, who made his return from injury off the bench last week, coming in for Jack Conan to captain the side.
Nick Timoney earns a rare start at openside, with the Ulster flanker replacing Josh van der Flier to win his fifth cap since 2021, while Ryan Baird continues at blindside.
The second row pairing of James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne is retained, with Beirne available for selection after his red card against New Zealand was rescinded by a disciplinary committee.
Andrew Porter also goes again at loosehead, but the rest of the front row has been changed, with Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson coming in, and Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong rested.
Jack Crowley continues at out-half, while Craig Casey is promoted to the starting XV alongside his Munster team-mate, with Sam Prendergast and Caolin Blade offering back-up on the bench.
Stuart McCloskey isn't risked after picking up a groin injury, with Robbie Henshaw starting at inside centre, while Farrell replaces Garry Ringrose in the 13 shirt.
Tommy O'Brien and Jamie Osborne continue on the right wing and full-back, respectively, with Jacob Stockdale preferred to James Lowe on the left.
Paddy McCarthy, who made his debut off the bench at Soldier Field last week, has been retained on the bench, while hooker Gus McCarthy, versatile forward Cian Prendergast and utility back Jimmy O'Brien also come into the matchday squad.
Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Tom Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast, Jimmy O'Brien.
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Watch Ireland v Japan in the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday from 12pm on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
