Jonathan Sexton and Craig Gilroy have been declared fit and available for selection for Ireland’s final Six Nations fixture against Italy the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday.
Leinster flyhalf Sexton has returned from a grade two hamstring tear he suffered in the 12-6 defeat to England at the Aviva.
Ulsterman Gilroy has recovered from a groin strain he picked in the defeat to Scotland and will be vying to reclaim his starting place after Fergus McFadden was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a rib injury.
Gilroy’s Ulster teammate Paul Marshall has been called into the squad for Eoin Reddan who is facing up to three months on the sideline after he fractured his tibia in the dying minutes of Ireland 13-all draw with France.
The Irish management will monitor the progress of Brian O'Driscoll (dead leg), Luke Marshall (concussion) and Donnacha Ryan (shoulder) before making a final decision on their fitness.