New Zealand international Issac Luke and his former South Sydney team-mate Luke Keary put their hands up to play for Ireland in the 2017 World Cup.

Ireland have called local youngster Matty Hadden into their World Cup squad as coach Mark Aston steps up preparations for their opening game against Fiji.

RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs hope to build on the interest shown in Ireland’s first game at Thomond Park

Ireland will make history tomorrow when they host France in the first rugby league match to be held at the rugby union stronghold of Thomond Park in Limerick.

IRELAND coach Andy Kelly has included 13 Super League players in his 30-man training squad for next month’s Alitalia European Cup. The contingent is headed by prop Eamon O’Carroll and hooker Mick McIlorum but Warriors team-mate Pat Richards, one of Ireland’s heroes from their 2008 World Cup campaign, is not available.