Only one new player called into Ireland training

Munster hooker Niall Scannell is the only new face at Irish Rugby training in Athlone on Thursday.

Scannell is back playing for his province after recent rib and thumb injuries and may edge out fellow hookers Rob Herring and Sean Cronin for the right to deputise behind captain Rory Best. Ireland are in the midlands for a two-day camp as they prepare for the Six Nations visit of Wales next weekend where Joe Schmidt's side will train alongside the Under 20s squad. Scannell has been drafted into Irish training while there was no sign of Garry Ringrose (ankle) or Sean O'Brien (hip) at Buccaneers RFC. Second-row James Ryan is present but is not participating in training, while Iain Henderson and Tadhg Furlong (hamstring) are not full participants at training. More to follow..