The Ireland squad assembled in the Glenview Hotel in Wicklow yesterday evening to begin their preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifier against Russia next Saturday. The latest addition to the squad is Mark McHugh who was callled up following the withdrawal of Paddy Wallace who broke his leg in the Celtic League game against Swansea on Saturday. Wallace replaced David Humphreys in that game but Humphreys is expected to be fully fit and will fly out with the Irish squad on Thursday.

The squad will train in Greystones RFC where Eddie O'Sullivan will name his starting line up tomorrow (Tuesday) midday.