Rugby
Ireland pick only RWC players
2012-01-18 15:48
Dublin - Ireland coach Declan Kidney has picked an initial 24-man squad for the Six Nations entirely composed of players from last year's World Cup squad.
Although Ireland reached only the quarter-finals in New Zealand before losing to Six Nations rival Wales, Kidney has opted to use his experienced players as the basis for his squad.
But six uncapped players will train with the squad for a week: Ian Nagle, Peter O'Mahony, Tiernan O'Halloran, Paddy McAllister, Andrew Conway, and Simon Zebo.
Kidney says he could call upon them for the Febraury 5 opener against Wales if they impress "rather than bringing in more experienced players."
With captain Brian O'Driscoll ruled out because of injury, Paul O'Connell will lead the side.
Ireland:
Backs: Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace.
Forwards: Rory Best, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Leo Cullen, Stephen Ferris, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings, Sean O'Brien, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell (captain), Mike Ross, Donnacha Ryan. Additional players: Andrew Conway, Paddy McAllister, Ian Nagle, Tiernan O'Halloran, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo.