Schmidt to reveal squad for England opener

The raft of players coming back into contention for Champions Cup selection this weekend across the provinces bodes well for Joe Schmidt as he prepares to name his first Six Nations 2019 squad this afternoon.

Ireland kick off their title defence against England at Aviva Stadium in 17 days as they begin their bid for back-to-back Grand Slams, and though there remain doubts over the fitness of a handful of players such as Peter O’Mahony, the trend is of players returning, if not this weekend, then very soon afterwards.