Chris Farrell and Tadhg Beirne are both in contention to play for Ireland against Italy in the third round of the Guinness Six Nations this weekend. Both have been named in the 34-man squad for the game.
Farrell was substituted after 18 minutes of Munster's win against the Southern Kings on Friday. However, he has since recovered and will train with the Ireland camp on Tuesday.
Beirne, who was named in Ireland's original Six Nations squad, is back following a knee injury to offer Joe Schmidt a badly needed option in the second row. A press release from Munster earlier today said that Beirne is continuing rehab for the injury.
Iain Henderson, who was yesterday cited for a dangerous ruck clearout during Ulster's game against Ospreys at the weekend, is also back training with the Ireland group. A hand injury had kept Henderson out of the opening two games of the tournament.
The IRFU has also said that Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock, who both miss out on the squad, will continue rehabbing their respective hamstring injuries with Leinster.
Will Addison is suffering from lower back stiffness and has not been named in the squad. Andrew Porter and Kieran Marmion have also missed out.
Italy's Sergio Parisse will miss Sunday's game due to a concussion.
In a statement from the Italian Federation, it was noted that the Italian captain sustained the injury while playing for his club Stade Francais against Lyon in the Top 14 at the weekend.
The number eight started both of his side's games - defeats to Scotland and Wales - in this season's tournament. He will now follow return to play protocols.
Ireland squad to play Italy
Forwards
Rory Best
Tadhg Beirne
Jack Conan
Sean Cronin
Ultan Dillane
Tadhg Furlong
Cian Healy
Iain Henderson
Dave Kilcoyne
Jack McGrath
Jordi Murphy
Sean O’Brien
Peter O’Mahony
Quinn Roux
James Ryan
John Ryan
Niall Scannell
Josh van der Flier
Backs
Bundee Aki
Caolin Blade
Adam Byrne
Joey Carbery
Jack Carty
Andrew Conway
John Cooney
Keith Earls
Chris Farrell
Tom Farrell
Robbie Henshaw
Rob Kearney
Jordan Larmour
Conor Murray
Jonathan Sexton
Jacob Stockdale
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
