Fitness Advisor, McGurn was removed from the squad following remarks he made to a Belfast newspaper and he has not been involved with the squad since the World Cup competition in Australia.

A statement issued through Slattery Communications, the IRFU's PR comapny read as follows,

The IRFU wish to state that Mike McGurn has been reinstated as a fitness coach, following a period of suspension imposed as a consequence of a newspaper interview.

Following meetings, at which he formally acknowledged inaccuracies expressed in the interview and stated his regret, Mike McGurn will immediately resume his position as fitness coach to the Ireland senior squad.