Ferris blow for Ireland

Leinster back row forward Kevin McLaughlin has been called into the Ireland squad to tour New Zealand next month.

He replaces the injured Stephen Ferris (calf).

McLaughlin narrowly missed out on selection for the original 29-man squad named earlier this week, but steps up into the touring party in place of Ferris – who has been ruled out due to a calf injury sustained in the Heineken Cup Final.

McLaughlin, the versatile Dublin-born back row forward, made his Ireland debut against Italy during the 2010 Six Nations and won his second cap as a replacement in a World Cup warm-up match against Scotland last August.

There are several remaining positions to be filled in the squad for the New Zealand tour.

The full squad will be confirmed following the game between Ireland and the Barbarians in Gloucester on Tuesday.