Andy Farrell backs Jacob Stockdale to thrive in full-back role for Ireland

Head coach Farrell has selected Ulster flyer Stockdale in the 15 shirt for Ireland’s rearranged Six Nations clash with Italy in Dublin on Saturday.

Stockdale has won the nod at the foot of the backline, with Leinster’s in-form Hugo Keenan making his debut on the wing instead.

Rob Kearney’s retirement leaves the long-term full-back berth up for grabs while James Lowe will add competition when he qualifies next month, with Jordan Larmour out for up to 16 months with a dislocated shoulder.

Ireland boss Farrell has handed Stockdale an early chance at first refusal in the role, and has backed the 24-year-old to shine against the Azzurri.

“We’ve obviously had quite a few sessions now, so we’ve looked at different combinations,” said Farrell.

“And we’ve been very impressed with Jacob, I think he’s learning the trade pretty quickly there, in the backfield.

“He’s learning how to adapt and get himself stronger in that position.

“We think he’s got all the attributes to push forward in that position, and of course he’s got other elements of his game that he needs to keep pushing forward.

“With Jacob, what you don’t see on the wing from time to time is his skill level; he’s got great vision, he’s able to see things and he’s got good hands as well.

“He hits a brilliant line and not always do you get to do that from the wing, so hopefully we can get him involved as much as we possibly can.”

* A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. To subscribe, click here.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor