IRELAND’S RUGBY SQUAD have packed away their Speedos and met in Kildare for the first of their pre-season training camps.
Declan Kidney, the Ireland coach, recently announced a 43-man panel to take part in the first camp. Included were four uncapped players – Felix Jones, Conor Murray, Brett Wilkinson and Mike McCarthy – though certain members of the 43 were not present due to problems left over from last season.
Stephen Ferris is running again and making good progress in his recovery from a long-term knee injury, but is staying with Ulster for the time being.
Wilkinson has pulled a hamstring and stays with Connacht, while Gordon D’Arcy never recovered from the injury he suffered to his right ankle during the Heineken Cup final, and was forced to undergo surgery last week.
However, D’Arcy’s injury is not long-term and he is expected to be available for the warm-up Tests against France, Scotland and England prior to heading off to New Zealand.
