Kidney names his 33-man Irish squad

Big hitters and new faces are present and correct after Declan Kidney yesterday named a 33-man Ireland training squad for a two-day training camp.

The experienced quartet of Paul O’Connell, Stephen Ferris, Tom Court and Tommy Bowe all return from injury while three uncapped players — Munster forward Dave O’Callaghan, Ulster centre Luke Marshall and former Ireland U20 star Iain Henderson — are also included.

Rob Kearney sits this one out as he completes his return to full fitness, as do long-term absentees Luke Fitzgerald and Sean O’Brien. There’s no sign yet of a call-up for Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss, now qualified to play for Ireland having completed his residency requirements.