McLaughlin among nine added to Ireland squad
Sunday, 22 November 2009 21:32Leinster back-rower Kevin McLaughlin is among the nine players who have been added to the Ireland squad for the upcoming match against South Africa, while Denis Leamy could still line out despite his ankle injury.
McLaughlin has emerged as the successor to departed Australia captain Rocky Elsom in the number six jersey for Leinster and was on the bench for Ireland 'A' against a Tonga XV side last week.
He was not in the initial 39-man panel originally announced for the November series.
The 25-year-old will provide additional cover for the back row with Denis Leamy's capacity to play next weekend still uncertain after he turned his ankle during Ireland's win over Fiji on Saturday.
A medical update said that following both X-rays and scans of his right ankle that he injured during the Fiji game, the Munster back-rower's injury is less serious then at first thought. It added that Leamy will undergo rehabilitation this week, but is not ruled out of selection at this point.
Ronan O'Gara also re-joins the squad and is set to start against the Springboks despite Jonathan Sexton earning rave reviews for his performance against Fiji.
Tommy Bowe, Cian Healy and David Wallace are the other frontline players rejoining the squad who were in the starting XV for the opening match of the Guinness November Series - the 20-20 draw against Australia - and are expected to be brought back in for Saturday's game.
Also joining the squad are Ulster centre Darren Cave, Connacht full-back Gavin Duffy and second row pair Devin Toner of Leinster and Dan Tuohy of Ulster.
Ireland Squad Additions (in addition to players available from match 22 v Fiji):
Tommy Bowe
Darren Cave
Gavin Duffy
Cian Healy
Kevin McLaughlin
Ronan O'Gara
Devin Toner
Dan Tuohy
David Wallace
