Six Nations: Howe asked to join Senior Squad

Tyrone Howe has been called into the Ireland Six Nations squad for Saturday's showdown against France in Paris.

He could replace Denis Hickie who is receiving treatment for a back spasm.

Hickie is confident of being fit to play on Saturday but management have asked Howe to move up from the Ireland A Team, which plays France tomorrow, as a precaution.

Howe’s position in the A team goes to Gordon Darcy (Leinster) with Anthony Horgan (Munster) moving to the left wing and Darcy going to the right wing. Justin Bishop (London Irish) fills the vacancy left in the replacements.