Jack Crowley will finally be handed an opportunity in the ten jersey in 2025 as Ireland launch a desperate quest for an outside chance of retaining their Six Nations title against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Crowley also caught the eye with a fleeting but effervescent endgame appearance at the Stadio Olimpico two years ago. He was patient then, has been patient again now, and deserves his chance, as the Farrell/Easterby policy of bringing two young outhalves to the next World Cup with 50-plus caps between them continues.

IRELAND INTERIM HEAD coach Simon Easterby said they are “confident” that Jack Crowley will sign a new deal to stay in Irish rugby beyond the end of this season. Munster out-half Crowley’s current contract expires this summer and English club Leicester have made an approach for the 25-year-old.

Ireland's Jack Crowley will start at flyhalf away to Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday, with Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Garry Ringrose returning as the Irish look for the high-scoring victory needed to keep their slim title hopes alive.

Jack Crowley is set to return at outhalf when the Ireland team to face Italy is announced on Thursday morning, with Simon Easterby expected to make up to five other changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s Six Nations finale in the Stadio Olimpico (kick-off 3.15pm local time/2.15pm Irish).

Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley will make his first start of this Six Nations in the team's tournament finale away to Italy on Saturday after ousting Sam Prendergast from the No 10 shirt. The 25-year-old Munster stand-off played every minute of Ireland's title-winning campaign in 2024 but Leinster out-half Prendergast,

IRELAND ARE SET to give Jack Crowley his first start of the Six Nations in their final game of the championship against Italy in Rome on Saturday. Crowley has been used off the bench in all four matches so far but now looks set to take over in the number 10 shirt against the Italians.