Ireland have called in loose forward Roger Wilson and lock Billy Holland to their training squad ahead of the game against England at the Aviva Stadium.
The Ulster and Munster players complete Joe Schmidt’s 36-man group that will prepare for Sunday’s critical Six Nations Championship showdown in Dublin.
Only prop James Cronin, flank Robbie Diack, scrumhalf Kieran Marmion and prop Nathan White are unavailable due to injury as Ireland prepare for Sunday.
Ireland squad:
Forwards: Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Iain Henderson, Billy Holland, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Paul O’Connell, Tommy O’Donnell, Peter O’Mahony, Mike Ross, Dominic Ryan, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Roger Wilson.
Backs: Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Gordon D’Arcy, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw, Felix Jones, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Keatley, Ian Madigan, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Zebo.
Not considered due to injury: James Cronin, Robbie Diack, Kieran Marmion, Nathan White.
rugby365
Think the BIG story on this one is that Jamie Heaslip is still in the squad after being kneed in the back by Pascal Pape and suffering with 3 cracked vertrebrae less than two weeks ago. Apparently he is in the squad to act as a mentor with Jordi Murphy mentioned as most likely starting in his place – shows you how highly they rate Heaslip.
Rhys Ruddock, Chris Henry and Robin Copeland (both out long term) who are back row options and have all played for Ireland are also not there, so while Ireland may have a good starting loose trio they could be a bit short of backup quality – think this could be an advantage to England.
Chris Henry had a heart operation in December and they hope he will be back playing in time to make it for the World Cup.
Robin Copeland is out for the recent of the season picking up a shoulder injury that needed an operation.
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