Shane Horgan has been included in the Ireland squad for the Six Nations Championship clash with Wales at Lansdowne Road tomorrow week despite not playing for Lansdowne against Garryowen tomorrow.
Horgan missed Ireland's victory over France in Paris with a badly bruised knee sustained the previous weekend while on club duty. He has suffered a setback with his rehabilitation but as Ireland team manager Donal Lenihan explained there was little point in rushing him back. "There was no pressure from us for him to play. He doesn't have to prove his fitness as his last match was just a couple of weeks ago."
Lenihan confirmed that the medical staff were happy that he would be fit in time for tomorrow week's game against Wales and was therefore included. "He will have to do the same as everyone else at training next Tuesday but we don't expect that to be a problem." If the young Lansdowne player comes through the session then he will vie with his replacement in Paris Kevin Maggs for a wing berth.
One of the Maggs, Horgan and Mike Mullins triumvirate is likely to drop down to the vacancy left in the Ireland A squad. Trevor Brennan is once again unfortunate, dropping to the A team as the senior team management considered the greater versatility of Andy Ward a decisive factor in plumping for the Ballynahinch flanker.
Lenihan confirmed: "We were very happy with Andy's contribution when he came on last Sunday. Trevor's a bit unlucky in that he's been in the last two squads while not togging out. He will definitely play in the A match. The decision was made because of Wardie's talents and the fact that we are keeping the ball in hand and playing the game wider out.
"We also need a genuine cover at seven because Kieron (Dawson) has had a tough time physically in every match in terms of wear and tear." Jeremy Davidson returns to the squad in place of Paddy Johns. The Castres second row has suffered a frustrating time with injury but by the time the squad meets he will have had four games in succession. Johns returns to the A squad.
Shane Byrne was not considered because of injury and is replaced by Peter Smyth while Robert Casey, John Kelly and Dion O'Cuinneagain return after injury.
Meanwhile in the AIB League Division One, second placed Terenure College will make a late decision on whether Shane Cullen or David Lynagh will fill the left wing berth for their clash with 1999 champions Cork Constitution at Temple Hill.
Opponents Cork Con welcome back Ireland A centre John Kelly but must plan without Mick O'Driscoll (knee ligaments) and Donnacha O'Callaghan (shoulder).
Dungannon are without Jonathan Bell - out for the season following an operation on his thumb - and Jan Cunningham, the latter on duty with Ireland at the Hong Kong Sevens for their trip to Young Munster. Munsters have confirmed that Peter Clohessy will fill the vacancy at loosehead prop.
Shannon have delayed naming a side, blaming a host of injuries, as they try and prepare for the trip to Kilternan to face DLSP.
Old Belvedere are in even worse straits, injury wise, with no fewer than 10 first choice players sidelined for the game against Wanderers.
Former Ireland captain Paddy Johns, together with wife Kirsty, celebrated the birth of twins yesterday.
