Niall Scannell is one of five Munster players in the Ireland matchday squad.

Tadhg Beirne will make his first start for Ireland against Italy on Saturday in Chicago with Munster team-mates Niall Scannell, Joey Carbery and Andrew Conway also in the starting XV as Dave Kilcoyne is among the replacements.

Rhys Ruddock captains the side having previously worn the armband for the duration of the 2017 Summer Tour of the USA and Japan. He is joined in the backrow by Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.

The second row contains Beirne and Quinn Roux with Andrew Porter and Jack McGrath packing down either side of Scannell in the front row.

Luke McGrath and Carbery are named as the half-back combination with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose at inside and outside centre respectively. Jordon Larmour starts at fullback with Conway and Jacob Stockdale on the wings.

The replacements named are Sean Cronin, Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Ross Byrne and Will Addison.

The Rugby Weekend fixture against Italy will be broadcast by Eir in the Republic of Ireland and Premier Sports in Northern Ireland.

Ireland: Jordan Larmour; Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Joey Carbery, Luke McGrath; Jack McGrath, Niall Scannell, Andrew Porter; Tadhg Beirne, Quinn Roux; Rhys Ruddock (C), Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Ross Byrne*, Will Addison*.

* denotes uncapped player