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Rugby Six Nations news: Joe Schmidt names Ireland side

Joseph Schmidt names his Ireland squad for two opening rounds of RBS 6 Nations 2016

With less than two weeks to go until the start of RBS 6 Nations 2016 Championship tournament, rugby union managers are naming their sides for rounds 1 and 2. Joe Schmidt, manager of current Six Nations champions Ireland, announced his 35-man side.

“As always there were a number of tight decisions, especially with a number of players not being available to play in recent weeks,” said Schmidt. "There are a few new faces but at the same time we have resisted the temptation to include some of the very promising youngsters, allowing them a bit more time to develop as well as the opportunity of further game time with their provinces.”

Rory Best will captain Ireland with Jamie Heaslip named as vice-captain. Best who is captain of Ulster and will captain Ireland in the 6 Nations, takes over duties for his country from Paul O’Connell, who retired after the World Cup 2015.

Ireland Squad News

“With plenty of new personnel involved the championship is going to be incredibly challenging and the players selected know they will need to be at their best to be competitive,” said Schmidt. Uncapped rugby players CJ Stander, Stuart McCloskey, Ultan Dillane and Josh van der Flier are among Schmidt’s newcomers. More uncapped players include Connacht's Ultan Dillane, Munster captain CJ Stander, Leinster's Josh Van Der Flier, and Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey.

Dillane, the Connacht lock, has edged out Munster’s Dave Foley for one of the second-row berths. Leinster flanker Van der Flier won a call-up as cover for Henry. South African-born forward Stander will get a back-row berth after he completed residency qualification. Without a doubt the upcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship is going to be incredibly challenging and Schmidt’s Ireland side will need to be fiercely competitive to go on to win the trophy this campaign.

Ireland Injury Concerns

“As always there were a number of tight decisions, especially with a number of players not being available to play in recent weeks,” remarked Schmidt. “Stalwarts such as Mike Ross, Cian Healy and Chris Henry are all likely to return to play over the coming weeks and they, along with some of the other players not included will potentially return to the squad post these first two matches.”

Significant blows to the side include Healy’s knee and Ross’s hamstring concerns. Henry’s shoulder injury may enable Munster captain Stander to make his debut for Ireland. Ulster’s Dan Tuohy is out. Peter O’Mahony is out long-term due to knee surgery.

Props Cian Healy and Mike Ross, and flanker Chris Henry, will miss Ireland’s first two games against Wales and France but are expected to return for the championship’s latter stages. Players unavailable for selection due to long term injury are Tommy Bowe, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony and Dan Tuohy.

Ireland 1st Team for RBS 6 Nations 2016 Championship Rounds 1 & 2
Forwards

Rory Best (Ulster, capt), Sean Cronin (Leinster), James Cronin (Munster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht)*, Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Mike McCarthy (Leinster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Martin Moore (Leinster), Sean O’Brien (Leinster), Tommy O’Donnell (Munster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), CJ Stander (Munster)*, Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)*, Nathan White (Connacht)

Backs

Keith Earls (Munster), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), David Kearney (Leinster), Rob Kearney (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)*, Conor Murray (Munster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Simon Zebo (Munster)

* Denotes uncapped player

Ireland Six Nations Rugby Tickets & Schedule

Buy Ireland Six Nations tickets now to watch Ireland fight to win the Six Nations crown for a third year in succession! Ireland will host Wales in Round 1 of the RBS 6 Nations on Sunday, February 7 at Aviva Stadium. In Round 2, Ireland travel to Paris to go head-to-head with France at the Stade de France.

Last minute hard-to-get, legal, authentic Ireland Six Nations tickets are still available for all RBS 6 Nations 2016 matches. Buy Ireland rugby unions securely online from the LiveRugbyTickets.co.uk extensive rugby ticket marketplace.

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