Finally some positive news for Joe Schmidt.
RTÉ are reporting that both Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan are responding well to treatment from their neck and knee injuries respectively and should be ready for the opening Six Nations game against Italy in Rome.
Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan set to be fit for start of Six Nations. Sean O'Brien trained fully today, likely to play vs England Saxons.
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) January 27, 2015
Murray has been out for the last two games for Munster following a neck problem, while Reddan was unable to finish the Champions Cup game against Wasps after straining medial ligaments in his knee. Isaac Boss and Kieran Marmion are the other scrumhalves in the squad.
Meanwhile, there is great news on Sean O'Brien, with the flanker set to be included in the Irish Wolfhounds game with the England Saxons on Friday night in Musgrave Park. Felix Jones and Iain Henderson also look set to start in that game after being presented to the media today in Carton House.
Things aren't as good for England with news today that Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt are ruled out of their opening Six Nations match with Wales next Friday week.
Photo credit Brendan Moran/Sportsfile