Schmidt gives the nod to Munster-bound Copeland

Munster-bound No.8 Robin Copeland has reaped an instant reward for his decision to return to an Irish province next season by being named in Joe Schmidt’s extended Ireland RBS 6 Nations and Wolfhounds squad.

Schmidt gives the nod to Munster-bound Copeland

National head coach Schmidt yesterday named a 44-player group for next month’s Six Nations and the A international between the Irish Wolfhounds and England Saxons at Gloucester on January 25, with Cardiff Blues back rower Copeland, 26, one of seven uncapped players.

It was difficult to spring a surprise in such a largely populated squad but Schmidt has shaken things up to a degree, largely with the Woflhoundsfixture in mind, by naming Copeland, Connacht scrum-half Kieran Marmion and prop Rodney Ah You, the New Zealand-born tighthead who qualified for Ireland through residency last October, Ulster’s hooker Rob Herring and anotherrecently Irish-qualified player in back-rowRobbie Diack. They are all uncapped, as areLeinster tighthead Martin Moore and flanker Jordi Murphy, while the door remains open for injured or recently returned players like Donnacha Ryan.Simon Zebo, Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy to earn their places during the Six Nations campaign, which Ireland begin at home to Scotland on February 2.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers. and reporters

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited