O'Gara back in 25-strong squad for Italy match

Ireland Coach Eddie O’Sullivan has named a 25-strong squad from which the team to play Italy in the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations will be named next Wednesday.

The forwards all have experience of playing in the Championship, with the exception of back rowers Johnny O’Connor and Denis Leamy, who both made their debuts during the autumn internationals in 2004.

The forwards have over 400 caps between them, with O’Connor and Leamy the only pair who do not go into double digit figures in appearances.

Among the 11 backs named, Ronan O’Gara is available for selection following his recent hand injury sustained three weeks ago.

The squad of 25 players from which the Ireland team will play Italy in the opening game of the RBS Six Nations Championship in Stadio Flaminio, Rome at 2.30pm on Sunday February 6 2005 is as follows:

Forwards:

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Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Simon Easterby, Anthony Foley, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy, Eric Miller, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Johnny O’Connor , Malcolm O’Kelly, Frankie Sheahan, Alan Quinlan

Backs:

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Gordon D’Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Guy Easterby, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs, Geordan Murphy, Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer

Not considered due to injury:

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Keith Gleeson, Neil McMillan

The team to play Italy will be announced on Wednesday next at 12.45pm, following a training session at Terenure College RFC.