Jamison Gibson-Park returns as Ireland start 36-year-old Bundee Aki against Fiji

Andy Farrell has recalled Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki to his Ireland side for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Fiji, while Nick Timoney has been handed a start at No.8 in one of the more eye-catching selection calls.

Ireland head into the Aviva Stadium encounter looking to build on last weekend’s bonus-point victory over Argentina, but Farrell has been forced into at least one change after Dan Sheehan suffered a concussion.

The hooker remains in the return-to-play protocols, paving the way for Rónan Kelleher to start in the front row.

The return of Gibson-Park provides a significant boost to the hosts. The experienced scrum-half restored alongside Sam Prendergast in the half-backs after missing out against Argentina.

Farrell has also welcomed back veteran centre Aki, who returns after overcoming illness. The 72-cap Connacht midfielder slots straight into the midfield alongside Jamie Osborne, adding experience against a Fiji side that suffered a 54-17 defeat to France last weekend.

It’s 36-year-old Aki’s first start for Ireland since their loss to the Springboks last November.

Elsewhere, Timoney switches from blindside flanker to No.8 as Farrell reshuffles his back row. Ryan Baird continues at six, while Josh van der Flier reclaim the openside berth after coming off the bench against Argentina.

In the back three, Mack Hansen is named at full-back, with Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien selected on the wings.

Up front, Andrew Porter, Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong form an all-Leinster front row. James Ryan partners captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Beirne will lead Ireland at the Aviva Stadium for the first time.

There is also the prospect of a new cap from the bench, with Ulster lock James McNabney included among the replacements and in line to make his Test debut.

The bench features Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray and McNabney as the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Ciarán Frawley and Stuart McCloskey provide the backline cover.