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Their bags are packed, they’re ready to go…After one last training session

Published 14:08 15 Sept 2015 BST

Updated 15:23 18 Sept 2015 BST

Mikey Stafford
Their bags are packed, they’re ready to go…After one last training session

Homerugby

After more than two months in camp, it is time for Ireland to say goodbye to their Kildare training base and make the short journey across the Irish Sea.

The World Cup campaign kicks off on Saturday afternoon against Canada in the Millennium Stadium, but before Wednesday's flight to Cardiff, Joe Schmidt's men got in one final training session at Carton House. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 IrelandÕs Cian Healy is hugged by Jennifer Malone from Clane, Co. Kildare Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland There was a hug from fan Jennifer Malone for Cian Healy, after the loosehead prop was Monday given the all clear to play following a persistent nerve problem had prevented him from taking any part in Ireland's four warm-up games. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 Jonathan Sexton Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan Ireland travel with great optimism despite defeats in their final two matches, against Wales and England, but with no major injury concerns head coach Schmidt will hope his key performers like Johnny Sexton will hit top form in time for Italy and France, following favourable lead-in fixtures against Canada and Romania. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 Head coach Joe Schmidt with Luke Fitzgerald Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Since convening in Carton House at the end of June, Schmidt has had more access to players, such as Luke Fitzgerald, than at any other time during his two years in charge of Ireland. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 Simon Zebo Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland The squad looked relaxed ahead of their departure for Wales, with Munster duo Simon Zebo and Peter O'Mahony enjoying a final hit-out in Kildare. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 The Ireland squad training in Carton House today Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan Following their travel day, Thursday's training session will be held at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens, before Friday's captain's run in the Millennium Stadium. Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Carton House, Co. Kildare 15/9/2015 Jared Payne arrives for training Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan After a pretty settled existence in Kildare, Jared Payne and Co will have to get used to a more transient existence, with four different training grounds over the next month. Following Sophia Gardens, they will use the English FA's St George's Park ahead of the Romania clash, Surrey Sports Park before Italy and Newport High School in run-up to France Test.

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