Lions’ share of Irish squad return
O'Sullivan welcomes back the majority of the British and Irish Lions players as they start to return to club action following their extended preseason training. The only exceptions to this are the injured trio of Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Malcolm O'Kelly. Other notable absentees due to injury are Eric Miller and Anthony Horgan, both of whom played against Japan in the summer.
There are two uncapped players in the squad in the shape of Paddy Wallace, who missed out on touring Japan and a possible first cap due to injury, and Conor McPhilips.