Richardt Strauss ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations campaign

Ireland look set to be without Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss for the duration of the Six Nations after he suffered ankle ligament damage at the weekend.

Strauss turned out for Leinster at the weekend in their 29-20 win over the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park but he was forced off the field and was substituted at half-time. The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed on Monday the nature of the injury and reports suggest that he will be out of action for between 10 and 12 weeks.

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Ireland coach Declan Kidney has called up seven additional players to the training squad in Carton House this week as they prepare for the opening game of the Six Nations and the Ireland Wolfhounds clash with England Saxons on Friday.

Five of the players that Kidney has called up are from Munster who beat Racing on the weekend and remained in the running for the Heineken Cup.

James Coughlan (Munster), Tommy O'Donnell (Munster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Kevin McLaughlin (Leinster), Mike Sherry (Munster), Damien Varley (Munster), Ian Keatley (Munster) are the seven players who have been called up.

Kidney said that Ulster's Roger Wilson was considered but has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Jamie Heaslip has been retained as Ireland captain for the competition despite the return of Brian O'Driscoll.


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