There aren’t a whole lot of surprises in what is a huge provisional Irish squad for the Six Nations, but the big news is that Jamie Heaslip will remain on as captain despite the return of Brian O’Driscoll to the squad.
Declan Kidney has named 39 players ahead of the meeting with Wales on February 2, although that squad will be significantly reduced following the Irish Wolfhounds’ clash with the England Saxons on Friday week.
Luke Fitzgerald’s return to the squad is a welcome one following his rejuvenation in a Leinster jersey of late, while there are call-ups for in-form Connacht duo Robbie Henshaw and Dave McSharry, who are two of six new caps in the squad alongside Leinster’s Ian Madigan and Ulster trio Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall and Lewis Stevenson.
The squad is expected to be boosted by the addition of several players following this weekend’s Heineken Cup fixtures and a separate squad for the Wolfhounds will be named shortly after the squad meet up at Carton House next week.
Commenting on the captaincy decision, Brian O’Driscoll said: “The captaincy has been a big part of my career and life over the last number of years, and while I was naturally very disappointed not to be leading the team in the Six nations, when I talked it through with Declan I accepted the reasons behind the decision.
“I’ve always known that the Rugby World Cup in 2015 was most likely a bridge too far for me, so at some point a player, who will most likely be there for the tournament, needs to build that captaincy experience. Jamie will do a fantastic job and along with the other senior players in the leadership group, I will be giving him all of the support that he needs.”
Jamie Heaslip added: “I was incredibly honoured when Declan asked me back in November to lead the team in Brian’s absence. To lead your country is the ultimate in any sport. To get the opportunity again, considering what an inspirational leader Brian is and the other players who could have been chosen to captain the team, is even more humbling.
“I know Brian as a teammate and as a friend and I will be relying on his and the other players support as we head into the Championship.
Ireland Six Nations squad: Michael Bent, Rory Best, Isaac Boss, Darren Cave, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Gordon D’Arcy, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Declan Fitzpatrick, Craig Gilroy, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip (captain), Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, Rob Kearney, David Kilcoyne, Ian Madigan, Paul Marshall, Conor Murray, Mike McCarthy, Fergus McFadden, Dave McSharry, Sean O’Brien, Donncha O’Callaghan, Brian O’Driscoll, Peter O’Mahony, Ronan O’Gara, Eoin Reddan, Mike Ross, Donnacha Ryan, Jonathan Sexton, Lewis Stevenson, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Andrew Trimble, Simon Zebo.
Not available due to injury: Tommy Bowe, Stephen Ferris, Luke Marshall, John Muldoon, Paul O’Connell, Dan Tuohy
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