Kidney gives young stars Belfast opportunity

IRELAND head coach Declan Kidney has placed an emphasis on youth for this week’s training camp in Belfast, but insists that many of the older brigade have not been “discarded”.

With his British & Irish Lions contingent still enjoying breaks after their exertions in South Africa, Kidney has opted to call upon the services of many of the players who served him well in both the Churchill Cup and the summer tour of North America. While there is no shortage of experience within the 36-strong panel, with veterans such as Leo Cullen, Shane Horgan and Mick O’Driscoll all included, there is an undeniable focus on development.

Kidney insisted, though, that while he is hoping to introduce new players into the Ireland set-up when November rolls around, form – and not potential – will be the overriding factor in every selection.