34 men named but that will be paired down to 23 for the weekend trip to Rome.
Let’s start with the bad news – Will Addison, Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock will not be involved against Italy.
Now, for the good stuff…
Chris Farrell has been reviewed by the Ireland medical team and was fit to train with the 34-man Ireland squad today. A release from the IRFU reads:
‘Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock will continue their respective hamstring rehab at Leinster this week.
‘Will Addison has some lower back stiffness that is being managed at Ulster this week. Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, who were named in the initial Six Nations squad, have joined the group at Carton House this week.’
There is no Dan Leavy or Kieran Marmion in the squad either but Robbie Henshaw is included and there is a surprise call-up for Leinster winger Adam Byrne.
IRELAND SQUAD
Meanwhile, Italy have to go into battle without their inspirational captain Sergio Parisse, who misses out due to concussion.
Sergio Parisse to miss Ireland vs. Italy after suffering concussion in Stade Francais game at the weekend pic.twitter.com/5Zx5nyvBxD
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 19, 2019
Ireland face off against Conor O’Shea’s Italy at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon. Since losing to the Azzurri in 2013 – Declan Kidney’s final game as Ireland coach – the men in green have beating them seven times.
Their closest encounter was at the 2015 World Cup, a 16-9 win, but Ireland have otherwise dealt with Italy handily. On four occasions, in recent years, they have scored eight or more tries.
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