Full contact test for Hogg
Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg will do a full contact training session today to determine if he is fit for a Glasgow come back against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, writes Duncan Smith.
The European Champions Cup match is the last available fixture for Hogg to get some game time before Scotland’s Six Nations opener against Wales in 16 days’ time.
The double Six Nations player of the tournament has been out with a hip injury since November and has also suffered a recent foot problem.
Glasgow coaching staff believe if he comes through today unscathed and feels no ill effects tomorrow he will return to the Warriors side against the English champions at Scotstoun.
Leinster full-back Jordan Larmour has won his first call-up to Ireland’s senior ranks after being named in Joe Schmidt’s 36-man Natwest Six Nations squad.
The fast-improving 20-year-old has forced his way into Leinster’s senior side this season, impressing in both Guinness Pro14 and Champions Cup action. Now the former St Andrew’s College man has the chance to impress in the Ireland set-up, with head coach Schmidt’s men kickstarting their Six Nations campaign by facing France in Paris on 3 February.
Sean O’brien has missed out on selection due to a hip injury, leaving the British and Irish Lions flanker a doubt for the tournament.
Leinster flanker O’brien joins the likes of Garry Ringrose, Jared Payne and Jamie Heaslip as a long-term absentee. Ireland will have do without them for at least the early Six Nations action.
Leinster wing Fergus Mcfadden has forced his way back into the ranks, and could make his first Test appearance since the 35-25 victory over Scotland in Dublin in March 2016.
Playmaker Joey Carbery has been included as he continues his recovery from the wrist injury he suffered during the November internationals. Ireland squad Forwards: R Best (capt, Ulster), J Conan, S Cronin (both Leinster), U Dillane (Connacht), T Furlong, C Healy (both Leinster), I Henderson, R Herring (both Ulster), D Kilcoyne (Munster), D Leavy, J Mcgrath, J Murphy (all Leinster), P O’mahony (Munster), A Porter (Leinster), Q Roux (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan, CJ Stander (both Munster), D Toner, J Van der Flier (both Leinster). Backs: B Aki (Connacht), J Carbery (Leinster), A Conway, K Earls, C Farrell (all Munster), R Henshaw, R Kearney (both Leinster), I Keatley (Munster), J Larmour (Leinster), K Marmion (Connacht), F Mcfadden, L Mcgrath (both Leinster), C Murray (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), R Scannell (Munster), J Stockdale (Ulster).