Sexton returns to captain Ireland against Scotland

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton returns as Ireland face Scotland in Murrayfield on Sunday.

Sexton missed the Round 3 fixture in Rome against Italy having picked up a knock against France in the previous round.

Conor Murray is also restored to the starting line up having impressed off the bench against Italy. In the midfield, Bundee Aki shifts to inside centre with Garry Ringrose returning to the starting line-up.

The back three that has started every game of this Championship campaign lines out again with Hugo Keenan at full-back and Mack Hansen and James Lowe on the wings.

Up front, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are introduced to the front row to join Andrew Porter.

James Ryan and Iain Henderson lock down at second row with Peter O’Mahony starting at blindside flanker, Caelan Doris shifting to number eight and Josh van der Flier lining out at openside.

Cian Healy, Jamison Gibson-Park and Robbie Henshaw are included amongst the replacements alongside Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan and Ross Byrne.

Ireland

15. Hugo Keenan
16. Mack Hansen
17. Garry Ringrose
18. Bundee Aki
19. James Lowe
20. Johnny Sexton (c)
21. Conor Murray

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Cian Healy
18. Tom O’Toole
19. Ryan Baird
20. Jack Conan
21. Jamison Gibson Park
22. Ross Byrne

Ireland v Scotland

2023 Guinness Six Nations Championship

Murrayfield, Kick-off: 3pm