Ireland Prop Tadhg Furlong Set to Return Against Italy in Final 2025 Six Nations Match

Tadhg Furlong, the highly regarded tight-head prop, is poised to make his return for Ireland in their final 2025 Six Nations match against Italy in Rome. This will be Furlong’s first Test since July, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the Ireland team as they seek to finish their campaign on a strong note. Although Ireland’s chances of securing the Six Nations title are slim following their defeat to France, the team still harbors a mathematical possibility of clinching the championship, provided they win in Rome and hope for favorable results in other matches later in the day.

This eagerly anticipated match in Rome will be the final opportunity for Ireland to push for the Six Nations crown, and it will also serve as a fitting occasion for several players, including Furlong, to make their return to the field. Interim head coach Simon Easterby is looking to make the most of this final match, bringing back key players who have been sidelined due to injury. Furlong, who has been recovering from hamstring and calf injuries, is finally set to return after missing the first four games of the championship as well as Ireland’s four Tests in the autumn.

Tadhg Furlong’s Injury Recovery and Impact on Ireland

Furlong set to return for Ireland’s Six Nations finale |

Tadhg Furlong’s absence has been a notable one for Ireland, particularly given his integral role in the team’s forward pack. The prop has not played any rugby since Leinster’s Champions Cup victory over La Rochelle on January 12th, and his return to the team comes after a significant recovery period. His hamstring and calf injuries have kept him on the sidelines for much of the Six Nations, but Furlong is now fit and eager to return to action.

Furlong’s presence in the front row will be a huge boost for Ireland, who have faced challenges in his absence. As one of the most experienced and dominant props in world rugby, his inclusion provides stability and strength in the scrum, and his leadership will be key as Ireland looks to finish the campaign with a victory in Rome. Furlong’s return also adds depth to an Ireland team that has seen a mix of results throughout the tournament.

Despite missing several games, Furlong’s experience and skill set make him a vital part of Ireland’s forward pack. His return also brings a sense of familiarity and confidence to the team as they look to secure a positive result in their final game of the 2025 Six Nations.

Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose Also Set to Feature

Tadhg Furlong’s Injury Recovery and Impact on Ireland

In addition to Furlong’s return, Ireland is set to welcome back other key players for their match against Italy. Mack Hansen, the dynamic Connacht wing, is expected to return to the starting XV after missing the loss to France due to a quad injury. Hansen’s pace and creativity on the wing make him an essential part of Ireland’s attacking strategy, and his return will be welcomed by Easterby’s side.

Similarly, Garry Ringrose, the Ireland centre, is available for selection after serving his suspension. Ringrose’s return strengthens the Ireland midfield, providing stability and experience in a crucial position. His defensive prowess and ability to create line breaks will be important as Ireland looks to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities against Italy.

The return of Hansen and Ringrose adds valuable depth to Ireland’s backline, which has been key to their success in the Six Nations so far. With these players returning to fitness and availability, Easterby will be able to field a full-strength team as they push for a strong finish in Rome.

Injury Concerns for James Lowe and Ronan Kelleher

While Ireland’s injury list is gradually clearing up, there are still some concerns ahead of their final match of the Six Nations. Decisions on wing James Lowe and hooker Ronan Kelleher will be made later in the week, with both players carrying injuries.

James Lowe, who was initially named to start against France, was a late change due to a back injury sustained during the warm-up. His availability for the match against Italy will depend on his recovery in the days leading up to the game. Lowe’s powerful running and ability to score tries make him a key player for Ireland, and his fitness will be a significant factor in the team’s offensive strategy against Italy.

Ronan Kelleher, the Ireland hooker, is also dealing with a neck issue, which has raised concerns about his fitness for the final match of the Six Nations. Kelleher’s role in the scrum and lineout is vital for Ireland’s forward play, and his absence would leave a gap in the team’s set-piece performance. Easterby and his coaching staff will closely monitor Kelleher’s condition as they assess his availability for the game.

Despite these injury concerns, Ireland has a strong squad with depth in most positions, and Easterby will be hopeful that Lowe and Kelleher will recover in time for the match. If not, Ireland has capable replacements who can step into these roles and continue to perform at a high level.

The Final Test for Retiring Ireland Trio

The match against Italy will also mark the final Test appearances for three of Ireland’s most beloved players – Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, and Cian Healy. The trio has announced their retirement from international rugby, and this game will be an emotional one for them as they take the field for the final time in Ireland’s green jersey.

Peter O’Mahony, the dynamic flanker, has been a stalwart in Ireland’s back row for years, known for his leadership, work rate, and physicality. His contribution to Ireland’s success in the Six Nations and beyond has been immense, and his retirement will leave a significant void in the team.

Conor Murray, the experienced scrum-half, has been a key figure in Ireland’s half-back pairing for over a decade. His precise passing and tactical kicking have been vital to Ireland’s game plan, and he will be greatly missed by his teammates and fans alike.

Cian Healy, the veteran prop, has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s scrum for years. His experience and consistency in the front row have been crucial to Ireland’s success in the Six Nations, and his leadership in the pack will be missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his career.

The retirement of O’Mahony, Murray, and Healy marks the end of an era for Ireland, and the players will be keen to bow out on a high note. Their final match in the green jersey will be an emotional one, and they will be determined to give everything they have for the team.

Ireland’s Six Nations Hopes: The Final Push

As Ireland faces Italy in Rome, they still hold an outside chance of winning the Six Nations title, but they will need a victory and some luck from other matches to secure the championship. Ireland’s players will need to give their all to ensure they finish the tournament with a win and leave their mark on the 2025 campaign.

With Tadhg Furlong, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, and others returning to the team, Ireland has the strength and quality to secure a victory in Rome. The match will be a final opportunity for the team to prove their abilities and close out the tournament with a positive result.

The emotions of the day will be heightened by the retirements of O’Mahony, Murray, and Healy, whose long and storied international careers will come to a close in this match. Ireland’s players will be determined to give these legends the perfect send-off and finish their Six Nations journey with a memorable victory.

Conclusion

Six Nations: Ireland name extended squad for final match against Italy in Rome on Saturday

As Ireland prepares to face Italy in their final 2025 Six Nations Test, the team is bolstered by the return of key players, including Tadhg Furlong, Mack Hansen, and Garry Ringrose. The match will also mark the final appearances for three of Ireland’s most iconic players – Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, and Cian Healy. With their championship hopes still alive, Ireland will look to secure a victory in Rome and end their Six Nations campaign on a high note. The return of Furlong and the availability of other key players give the team the strength they need to finish the tournament strongly, while the emotional farewells of O’Mahony, Murray, and Healy add an extra layer of significance to the match.