NZ-born Joey Carbery has been recalled by Ireland as cover for captain Johnny Sexton, before Sunday's Six Nations match clash against Italy at Rome.
Sexton is uncertain to play, after a leg injury suffered in the 32-19 win over France.
Carbery, who has 37 caps, was a surprise omission from the squad for Ireland's opening two Six Nations matches, in which they also beat Wales at Cardiff.
A calf injury will keep winger Keith Earls out of the trip to Rome, while locks Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy will miss the rest of the competition. Jamison Gibson-Park (hamstring), Robbie Henshaw (wrist), and Tadhg Furlong (calf) also remain unavailable.
Front-rowers Dan Sheehan and Cian Healy have returned to the 37-man squad, after overcoming hamstring issues.
Rob Herring was also included, continuing his return-to-play protocols, after suffering a head injury against France.
Reuters
