McCloskey called up amid Irish backs worry
IRELAND head coach Andy Farrell has called up Stuart McCloskey to his Guinness Six Nations squad with injuries hampering his backs.
The 27-year-old Ulster centre will meet up with the squad ahead of their training camp in Portugal despite initially not making the 35-man strong line-up even though he has enjoyed a hugely impressive run of form for his province.
McCloskey had been a surprise omission for many with Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki and Chris Farrell selected as the four options at centre instead.
“Stu has been playing well over the past few weeks and played well again at the weekend,” Farrell said.
“Centre is a very competitive area in the squad and with a few backs picking up small niggles at the weekend Stu is the form back who will now be added to the group to give us some extra options.”
McCloskey has had three Ireland caps to date, having made his debut in 2016.
He has been one of the form players in the country this season, alongside teammate John Cooney and Leinster centre Ringrose – having scored two tries and shown an array of creative skills, setting up numerous other scores.
■ Saracens second-row Will Skelton has been banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle on Racing 92 full-back Brice Dulin in the Champions Cup.
He was sent off in the 39th minute by Welsh referee Nigel Owens and a disciplinary panel found he made contact with Dulin’s head.
A mid-range offence has a starting punishment of a six-week ban, but Skelton was given credit for his guilty plea, remorse and prior good character.
The Australian will be free to play again from Monday, February 24.
He will miss Saracens’ Premiership games against Harlequins, Sale and Wasps, and as well as a Premiership Cup game with Sale.
Meanwhile, Exeter fly-half Joe Simmonds will face a disciplinary hearing over an alleged dangerous tackle in his side’s 33-14 Champions Cup win over La Rochelle.
Simmonds has been cited for a 16th-minute tackle on La Rochelle winger Kini Murimurivalu and could face a ban if found guilty.
The 23-year-old’s disciplinary hearing will take place tomorrow.