Eight Players Return For Squad Training

Eight players have returned to the Ireland squad for training this week, in addition to the 22 players named for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy next Saturday.

…Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan pondering his options at squad training last week at St. Gerard’s School in Bray, County Wicklow…

Eight players have returned to the Ireland squad for training this week, in addition to the 22 players named for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy next Saturday.

Leinster prop Reggie Corrigan, Ulster flanker Neil Best and Munster pair Anthony Foley and Mick O’Driscoll have been added to the forward contingent. Leinster’s Denis Hickie and Girvan Dempsey, as well as Munster centre Barry Murphy and winger John Kelly, have been called up for the backs.

Young Leinster winger Rob Kearney was unable to join up with the squad due to a slight back strain.

The Ireland starting XV and replacements for the Lansdowne Road clash with the Italians will be confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before lunch time.