Ireland hold out Reddan hope

Ireland remain hopeful that scrumhalf Eoin Reddan will recover from a knee injury in time for the opening match in defence of their Six Nations crown.

In a media statement on Monday the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed that Reddan strained medial ligaments in his knee, playing for Leinster in a dramatic 20-all European Champions Cup draw with Wasps at the weekend.

Ireland open their Six Nations defence against Italy on February 7.

Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray is scheduled to have further scans this week on the disc problem in his neck, which also threatens to rule him out of  the trip to Rome.

The Ireland squad are in camp this week as they prepare for the Six Nations.

Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw and Kieran Marmion are all fit to train this week following the weekend European action.

Scans have confirmed ligament damage in Dave Foley's wrist and he will have a surgical consultation this week.

Jamie Heaslip's shoulder continues to recover and he will be rested from contact this week.

Rhys Ruddock did not join up with the extended Ireland squad this week and will continue his recovery with his province.