Ryan ruled out of italy and france games

Injury has ruled Nenagh's Donncha Ryan out of the Ireland squad for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations matches against Italy and France.  

 

Ireland's opening fixture of the 6 Nations is against Italy in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday February 7th.  Philipe Saint Andre's French side visit Dublin seven days later and Ireland then host England at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday March 1st.  Ireland's two home games in the Aviva Stadium are sold out. Ireland's final two fixtures of the 2015 RBS 6 Nations are away to Wales on Saturday March 14th and away to Scotland on Saturday March 21st.  

 

Also ruled out through injury are Robin Copeland, David Kilcoyne, Luke Marshall and Andrew Trimble, who like Ryan will remain with their provinces to continue their recovery or to gain game time and may yet return for later 6 Nations test matches. The longer-term injured group include Chris Henry, Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Dan Tuohy and Damien Varley who are unavailable for selection. 

 

Head Coach Joe Schmidt, explained: 'The coaching group have tried to strike a balance between some players getting the chance to fully complete their rehabilitation programmes, or get a bit of rest and others getting the opportunity to push their claims with further game time in the Wolfhounds fixture.”  

 

Meanwhile, Ireland will host three ticketed open training sessions over the course the 6 Nations with the first taking place in the Aviva Stadium on Friday January 30th and further open sessions scheduled for Galway and Belfast.