Farrell trims the Ireland squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named a 27-man Ireland squad for this week’s Six Nations camp in Dublin which includes a first training session that will be open to the public in two years.
The Irish moved into second on the table with their 57-6 dismissal of numerically challenged Italy at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday.
Farrell has released 11 players including two players who appeared off the bench in that game – Craig Casey and James Hume.
The group of players will return to their provinces ahead of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship matches.
An IRFU statement read: “Eleven players have been released to their provinces in order to access match minutes in the URC this weekend – Jack Carty, Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien, Ross Molony (Leinster), Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes (Munster) and Robert Baloucoune, Iain Henderson, James Hume and Nick Timoney (Ulster).
“Ross Molony joined up with the squad late last week to provide additional second row cover.”
As for injuries coming out of the nine-try round three win, the squad update stated: “Robbie Henshaw will continue through the graduated return to play process this week. Andrew Porter’s training load will be managed following a rolled ankle. Tom O’Toole is continuing his rehab at Ulster.
“The Ireland squad commence preparations for the final two rounds of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations and have retained 27 players for a two-day camp in Dublin which includes an open session in the Aviva Stadium.
“The ticketed event on Thursday will feature the Ireland squad and Richie Murphy’s Ireland U20s as the two sides are put through the paces at the Aviva Stadium. Due to Covid, the Ireland squad have not been in a position to host an open session during Andy Farrell’s tenure. Tickets are no longer available for this event.”
Ireland squad:
Bundee Aki, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Joey Carbery, Jack Conan, Andrew Conway, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson Park, Mack Hansen, Cian Healy, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring, Hugo Keenan, Dave Kilcoyne, James Lowe, Michael Lowry, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Johnny Sexton (Captain), Dan Sheehan, Kieran Treadwell, Josh van der Flier
