Earls set to rejoin Ireland squad

by Brendan Cole

Keith Earls will rejoin the Ireland squad tomorrow as Ireland continue to lick their wounds after their narrow RBS 6 Nations defeat to Wales on Sunday.

The Munster centre was forced to withdraw from the starting XV on Friday for personal reasons but he is expected to be available again for the looming trip to Paris on Saturday night.

Ireland were beaten 21-23 thanks to a late Leigh Halfpenny penalty which was awarded for a 'tip' tackle by Stephen Ferris on Wales second row Ian Evans.

Ireland have no additional injury worries arising out of the match.

Shane Jennings and Denis Hurley have been released back to their provinces for RaboDirect Pro12 action, leaving Ireland with a 30-man squad from which to select the matchday 22 for Paris on Saturday night.

Earls will come into contention for selection in the centres and could also conceivably be named on the wing, particularly if Ireland decide wing Tommy Bowe is needed to bulk up the defence in the middle ahead of a daunting trip clash France.

Phillipe Saint-Andre's men got their campaign off to a winning start with a 30-12 victory over Italy at the Stade De France on Saturday.

Kidney will name the Ireland team to face France at lunchtime on Thursday.

Saint-Andre named his 23-man squad for the match yesterday.