Ronan O'Gara will launch his fight for a starting place in the clash with France at Lansdowne Road next week when he lines up for Cork Constitution tomorrow afternoon.
O'Gara came through a squad training session yesterday and will play for Con in their Division One clash with UL Bohemians at Thomond Park in Limerick.
He missed the first two games of the 2003 Six Nations following an ankle injury suffered in a stamping incident during Munster's Celtic League final victory over Neath earlier this month.
In his absence, David Humphreys has turned in man-of-the-match performances against Scotland and Italy, and the Dungannon out-half is now in pole position for the number 10 shirt when Ireland play reigning champions France at a week tomorrow.
O'Gara, who was named in the 24-man Ireland squad announced this afternoon, is joined by hooker Frankie Sheahan for their first outings of the season for their club, although winger John Kelly is being rested.
Marcus Horan and Alan Quinlan have been cleared to play for league champions Shannon against Blackrock College, who will have Leo Cullen available to them.