Irish centre Gordon D'Arcy has made a welcomed return to the Irish squad following his injury enforced absence from the autumn internationals in a 35-strong Six Nations squad named by the Irish management.
D'Arcy, who emerged as the star of last year's tournament after initially being seen as a squad player, missed all three of Ireland's November internationals with a groin injury sustained on Heineken Cup duty.
But he returned to the Leinster ranks last month and is in line to renew his vaunted midfield partnership with Brian O'Driscoll, with many observers tipping the duo to form the Lions centre pairing against the All Blacks.
Ireland's riches in the back row have been acknowledged by O'Sullivan who has named seven players for the three positions as he prepares for what could be the Triple Crown holders' best opportunity of taking the title for many years.
Munster's Alan Quinlan is back in the frame after impressing for last season's Heineken Cup semi-finalists, and he is joined by highly-rated Ulster number eight Roger Wilson who will be chasing his first cap.
Wasps flanker Johnny O'Connor is the man in possession of the number seven jersey, but with Denis Leamy and Eric Miller also featuring, he faces some stiff competition for the openside duties.
Ulster newcomers Kieran Campbell and Ronan McCormack are included in a squad skippered by O'Driscoll, who will be anxious to give further indication of his leadership qualities with the Lions captaincy up for grabs this summer.
Keith Gleeson, Tyrone Howe, John Kelly and Neil McMillan were not considered for selection because of injury.
Irish rugby squad for 2005 RBS 6 Nations:
Forwards (19):
Simon Best, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Leo Cullen, Simon Easterby, Anthony Foley, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Bernard Jackman, Denis Leamy, Eric Miller, Ronan McCormack, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Johnny O'Connor, Malcolm O'Kelly, Frankie Sheahan, Roger Wilson, Alan Quinlan.
Backs (16):
Tommy Bowe, Kieran Campbell, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Gavin Duffy, Guy Easterby, Denis Hickie, Anthony Horgan, Shane Horgan, David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs, Geordan Murphy, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Shaun Payne, Peter Stringer.
