Joe Schmidt has handed first international call-up to Leinster flanker Jack Conan, as part of his 46 man squad for the Six Nations.
However, there were no major omissions from Schmidt, with his hand forced due to injuries to several key players.
Conan has been handed a first call-up, while Connacht’s Nathan White is back in the squad after an arm fracture that destroyed his chances of making his debut in November. White would be Ireland’s oldest debutant in the professional era should he appear during the tournament.
Ulster’s Iain Henderson is back in the International mix again, as he continues his return from a hip injury. Also recalled after missing the November series through injury are Sean O’Brien, Cian Healy, Marty Moore and Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls.
Michael Bent is also back in the Irish squad at the expence of Rodney Ah You and the uncapped Tadhg Furlong, while Rob Herring looks to have edged past Duncan Casey as the fourth hooker in Joe Schmidt’s plans.
There was no place for outbound Munster fly-half JJ Hanrahan in the squad, despite the injury to Johnny Sexton, who will miss the opener against Italy, and long-term absentee Paddy Jackson, who has had elbow surgery.
Also absent are Robin Copeland, David Kilcoyne, Luke Marshall, Donnacha Ryan and Andrew Trimble, who may yet return for later 6 Nations test matches.
Forwards: M Bent, R Best, J Conan, S Cronin, J Cronin, R Diack, Dave Foley, C Healy, J Heaslip, I Henderson, R Herring, M McCarthy, J McGrath, M Moore, J Murphy, S O’Brien, P O’Connell, T O’Donnell, P O’Mahony, M Ross, R Ruddock, D Ryan, R Strauss, D Toner, N White
Backs:
Isaac Boss, T Bowe, D Cave, G D’Arcy, K Earls, L Fitzgerald, C Gilroy, R Henshaw, F Jones, D Kearney, I Keatley, I Madigan, K Marmion, F McFadden, C Murray, J Payne, E Reddan, N Reid, J Sexton, S Zebo.
