Ireland name injured duo
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Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt selected the duo of Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien in his wider Six Nations squad despite both still battling long-term injuries.
The 46-man squad includes player to be selected for matches against Italy and France, as well as the Ireland Wolfhounds fixture against England Saxons.
Schmidt's decision not to send the influential pair back to Leinster to continue their recovery increases their chances of turning out for the Irish Wolfhounds' clash with England Saxons on Friday, January 30.
"The coaching group have tried to strike a balance between some players getting the chance to fully complete their rehabilitation programmes, or get a bit of rest and others getting the opportunity to push their claims with further game time in the Wolfhounds fixture." Schmidt explained.
There are two uncapped players named in the extended squad, Leinster loose forward Jack Conan and Connacht prop Nathan White.
Ireland's opening fixture of the Six Nations is against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday, February 7.
Philippe Saint Andre's French side visit Dublin seven days later and Ireland then host England at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, March 1.
Ireland's final two fixtures of the Six Nations are away to Wales on Saturday, March 14 and away to Scotland on Saturday, March 21.
Robin Copeland, David Kilcoyne, Luke Marshall, Donnacha Ryan and Andrew Trimble will remain with their provinces to continue their recovery or to gain game-time and may yet return for later Six Nations matches.
Among the longer-term injured group are Chris Henry, Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Dan Tuohy and Damien Varley who are unavailable for selection.
The Ireland Wolfhounds, will face a strong England Saxons selection at Irish Independent Park, Cork on Friday, January 30.
Extended Ireland Squad:
Backs: Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Craig Gilroy, Robbie Henshaw, Felix Jones, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Keatley, Ian Madigan, Kieran Marmion, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Zebo
Forwards: Michael Bent, Rory Best, Jack Conan, Sean Cronin, James Cronin, Robbie Diack, Dave Foley, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Paul O'Connell, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony, Mike Ross, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Nathan White.
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