Ireland hopefuls earn valuable game-time

Joe Schmidt is hoping PRO12 game time can give his Test hopefuls the perfect platform for a winning end to Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Ireland’s preparations for the last two fixtures against Italy and Scotland, both at home, began in earnest last night when head coach Schmidt welcomed back around 34 players to Carton House ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Stadium clash with the Italians.

Schmidt will issue a squad list this morning once the IRFU medical staff have assessed the fitness of those players involved with their provinces in Guinness Pro12 action over the weekend.