Additional Players Called Up To Ireland Training Squad : Irish Rugby

Following the weekend action involving the provinces in the RaboDirect PRO12, there have been several additions to the Ireland training squad meeting up in Carton House this week.

Gordon D'Arcy took a knock to his ribs and is unable to train, with uncapped Munster centre James Downey called up to replace him.

Out-half Ronan O'Gara has a dead leg and is also unable to train, so the uncapped Leinster back Ian Madigan joins the squad.

Scrum half Paul Marshall comes into the squad in place of Eoin Reddan who was unable to play in Leinster's league clash with Edinburgh due to a leg injury.

Prop Ronan Loughney comes into the squad in place of Declan Fitzpatrick, who is continuing rehab on a knee injury in Ulster.

Second row Mike McCarthy picked up a calf knock during Connacht's encounter with Glasgow Warriors and is replaced by Leinster second row Devin Toner.

The final change is Simon Zebo, who turned an ankle during Munster's victory over the Dragons and is unable to train. Craig Gilroy replaces him in the training squad.

Ireland Under-20 head coach Nigel Carolan looks forward to the 2015 campaign and discusses the objectives for his squad this season. There is a strong emphasis on player development at this level which Carolan believes is important in bringing young talent through to the professional game.

The IRFU officially launched a bid to host RWC 2023 in The Royal School, Armagh last week with the backing of the two governments. Check out our highlights from the day.