Rugby

Schmidt includes three uncapped forwards in squad

Leinster prop Martin Moore in line to make debut against Scotland

Leinster prop Martin Moore is in line to make his Ireland debut in the Six Nations opener against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Mon Jan 27 2014 - 14:28

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has included three uncapped forwards in his 34-man squad for Sunday's opening Six Nations clash with Scotland and the home hame against Wales the following Saturday after reducing the size of the panel following last Saturday's Wolfhounds game.

Leinster tighthead prop Martin Moore and backrow forward Jordi Murphy are both included for this week's training, along with Cardiff Blues number eight Robin Copeland.

In the backs, Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo both miss out despite playing in the victory at Kingsholm after their recent injury problems, while Ian Madigan and Paddy Jackson are both named in the panel.

Schmidt has included just four props in his squad, meaning 22-year-old Moore is likely to make his debut at the Aviva Stadium against the Scots. The Munster duo of David Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer and Connacht's Rodney Ah You miss out from the original squad, while hookers Damian Varley and Rob Herring are also absent. Ulster backrow Robbie Diack is the other forward surplus to requirements.

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Ian Keatley returns to Munster, while the other backs to miss out are scrumhalves Isaac Boss and Kieran Marmion.

IRELAND SQUAD FOR SCOTLAND AND WALES GAMES

Forwards (18)

Cian Healy (Leinster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Martin Moore (Leinster)*, Rory Best (Ulster), Seán Cronin (Leinster), Paul O’Connell (Munster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Mike McCarthy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Dan Tuohy (Ulster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Tommy O’Donnell (Munster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster)*, Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)*

Backs (16)

Rob Kearney (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Felix Jones (Munster), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), David Kearney (Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster).
* denotes uncapped player

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