Andy Farrell makes big squad call dropping player ahead of France game

This is an interesting one.

With injuries and competition, it is one of the tougher match-day squads to predict of the Andy Farrell era.

There is a lot of speculation over who will start at fullback, with the first two in the pecking order - Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen - out injured, while Jamie Osborne is still not confirmed fit.

Of the other options: Jack Crowley has filled in at 15 off the bench in the past, Jacob Stockdale last started for Ireland at fullback in 2020, while Ciarán Frawley has the most recent start at 15 under Andy Farrell - in the 2024 Six Nations against Wales.

However, it has now been reported that the latter has left the squad to train with the Ireland XV - ahead of their clash against England 'A' next Friday - along with Bryn Ward and Billy Bohan.

Ward was only training with the main squad, and Bohan was a late call-up after Jack Boyle's injury, but Frawley was named in the original panel.

It is a surprise call from Farrell and perhaps suggests that Osborne will be fit for Thursday's showdown at the Stade de France.