Horgan returns to Ireland team to face France

Irish Coach Eddie O’Sullivan has brought in Shane Horgan to the Ireland team to play France this Sunday in the RBS 6 Nations Championship in Croke Park.

The Leinster winger returns from a knee injury and is picked on the right wing in place of Andrew Trimble.

O‘Sullivan has also left two places vacant in a squad of 25 at outside centre and at scrumhalf as he waits on the fitness of both Brian O’Driscoll and Peter Stringer.

This means that both Eoin Reddan and Andrew Trimble remain in contention for a place in the squad.

If both Brian O’Driscoll and Peter Stringer come through this week and can take their place in the team, then Isaac Boss and Geordan Murphy will remain on the replacements.

If Peter Stringer does not prove his fitness, Isaac Boss will start the game, with Eoin Reddan coming onto the bench.

If Brian O’Driscoll is ruled out, Geordan Murphy will come onto the wing, with Shane Horgan moving to centre to partner Gordon D’Arcy.

Jamie Heaslip has also been named as a possible replacement as a precaution for Denis Leamy.

The team will be lead by Paul O’Connell if Brian O’Driscoll does not play.

15 - Girvan Dempsey

14 – Shane Horgan

13 - A.N. Other

12 - Gordon D’Arcy

11 - Denis Hickie

10 - Ronan O’Gara

9 - A.N. Other

1 - Marcus Horan

2 - Rory Best

3 - John Hayes

4 - Donncha O’Callaghan

5 - Paul O’Connell

6 - Simon Easterby

7 - David Wallace

8 - Denis Leamy

Replacements:

16 - Jerry Flannery

17 - Simon Best

18 - Mick O’Driscoll

19 - Neil Best or Jamie Heaslip

20 - Isaac Boss

or Eoin Reddan

21 - Paddy Wallace

22 - Geordan Murphy or Andrew Trimble