Ireland team to play Wales is clearer after number of players let go from squad

The provinces will be delighted.

In a post on their website, the IRFU revealed which players would be returning to their provinces for the week, ahead of the weekend's URC fixtures.

They said: "The Ireland squad will gather for a two-day camp in Dublin on Wednesday as preparations continue ahead of the Round 4 Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Friday, 6th March (kick off 8.10pm).

"James Lowe (groin) will continue to be monitored by the medical team, while Jack Conan (illness) will return to training this week after missing the 42-21 victory over England.

"The following players have returned to their respective provinces ahead of the resumption of the BKT URC this weekend: Harry Byrne, Nathan Doak, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell, Cormac Izuchukwu, Michael Milne, Darragh Murray, Jude Postlethwaite, Cian Prendergast, Tom Stewart and Bryn Ward.

"The Ireland Men’s senior and Under-20 squads will train at the annual open training session on Thursday morning at Aviva Stadium. Tickets for the open session have all been distributed."

It is likely that none of these men will be in the match-day 23 for Ireland game against Wales next week, injury permitting.

It will disappoint a fair few fans, as many were hoping to see the likes of Edwin Edogbo and Cormac Izuchukwu given another chance after impressing against Italy.

On Saturday we will see Connacht v Glasgow (kick-off, 3pm), Munster v Zebre (kick-off, 5.30pm), and Ospreys v Ulster (kick-off, 7.45pm).