Ireland squad update: A number of players return to provinces

A number of Ireland squad players, who saw limited or no game time in the opening two rounds of the Six Nations Championship will be released to their provinces for Pro14 matches this weekend, while about 18 or 19 players will return to Irish camp on Thursday and take part in an opening training session against the Ireland under-20 side at the Aviva stadium on Friday.

The IRFU didn't confirm the returning players but their number is likely to include Leinster's Jack McGrath, Rhys Ruddock and Adam Byrne – Garry Ringrose is back at the province already recovering from a hamstring injury – Connacht trio, Jack Carty, Tom Farrell and possibly Ultane Dillane, Munster's Niall Scannell, John Ryan and Andrew Conway (he returned to the province last week for treatment) and Ulster duo Will Addison and John Cooney.

Earlier, the IRFU said that Joe Schmidt’s Ireland team have sustained no further injuries following Saturday’s win over Scotland.

Ireland lost Devin Toner, CJ Stander, Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw following their opening day defeat to England. They were already without locks Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne through injury for that clash in Dublin, and the 13-22 win in Edinburgh also.

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On Monday the IRFU released the following squad update: “There were no further injury concerns following the weekend and players carrying knocks from last week will continue their rehab at their provincial bases. A number of players will be released to access game time with their provinces in Pro14 this weekend and a reduced squad will assemble on Thursday for a 24 hour camp with the Ireland Under-20 squad.”

This news will be warmly received by Schmidt and his set-up as they prepare for Italy in Rome on Febraury 24th.