stephen ferris ulsterEleven additional players have been called into the Ireland squad to supplement the match 22 that was on duty last weekend against Italy. Forwards Brett Wilkinson, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Stephen Ferris, Mike McCarthy and Jamie Heaslip have been called in along with backs Nevin Spence, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley, Andrew Trimble and Gavin Duffy.

While there were no further injury concerns to report from Saturday’s game, the fitness of Jamie Heaslip will continue to be monitored throughout this week to determine if he will be available for selection, but at this point he has made progress and has not been ruled out. Andrew Trimble’s hand injury will also be reviewed by the Irish medical team and consultant surgeon to determine if he is fit to play.

Stephen Ferris is still receiving treatment on his knee injury and will be continue to be monitored and reviewed in the next 24 hours. Tommy Bowe has not been included in the squad for the weekend and will not be available for selection as he continues to recover from his knee injury.