Horgan received a minor fracture to the base of his thumb during Sunday's 19-13 win over England and after seeing a specialist on Monday, was ruled out of selection for the French game.

The 26-year-old, however, has not been ruled out of the game against Wales (Millennium Stadium, Saturday, March 19) on medical advice.

Gordon D'Arcy has continued to train with the rest of the squad and continues to make good progress.

A decision on whether he will play this weekend will be made later in the week, and the Irish management are confident he will available for selection against France.

The news on D'Arcy will certainly lighten the loss of Horgan for Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, with the possibility of reuniting D'Arcy and captain Brian O'Driscoll in midfield - a real plus.