45 is down to 42. Joe Schmidt's extended World Cup training squad was always going to be little more than opportunity to soak up the experience for some of the players named and so it has proven.
Leinster's Noel Reid and Ulster's Rob Herring have been released back to their provinces ahead of the new season as Joe Schmidt's squad beings to take shape in earnest.
Both players made their Ireland debut during the tour to Argentina last year. However, they were perhaps the two players least likely to make the final 31 man squad and they will return to their provinces having gained some invaluable experience.
Speaking at the Ireland press conference today, kicking coach Richie Murphy also confirmed that a replacement for Tommy O'Donnell will not be called up ahead of the warm-up game against Scotland on Saturday, thus leaving the squad at 42, for the time being at least.
