O'Driscoll, D'Arcy named in Ireland training squad

DUBLIN - Ireland rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan has included injured captain Brian O'Driscoll and his midfield partner Gordon D'Arcy in a 33-man training squad for the Six Nations test against England on February 27.

Both players suffered hamstring injuries in Ireland's opening win over Italy and missed last week's 40-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield, despite being initially named in the squad for the match.

They travelled to Poland for specialist treatment earlier this week and O'Sullivan will not know until at least Sunday whether they are fit to play.

The Six Nations leaders barely missed the pair during the win over Scotland, but, with the championship in their sights, will hope to have them back for clash with England in Dublin on February 27.

Meanwhile England coach Andy Robinson included uncapped Leicester first five-eighth Andy Goode in his 30-man training squad.

Goode, 24, who kicked 10 of the England A team's 30 points in last week's victory over France, could link up with Leicester teammate Harry Ellis, who started at halfback in last week's 17-18 loss to France.

With first five-eighth Charlie Hodgson missing three penalties and an easy dropped goal attempt in that match, Goode will be putting pressure on for the No 10 shirt in Dublin on February 27.

"Andy has been knocking on the England door recently, with his good form for Leicester and I felt he impressed last week in his A game performance," Robinson said.

"So he earns his selection to the squad for what will be a massively important game against Ireland.

"Julian White has not yet recovered from the neck injury he picked up in the Wales game but I'm sure he will return to play an important part in our games later in the championship. "

England squad: Jason Robinson (captain), Mark Cueto, Josh Lewsey, Ben Cohen, Mathew Tait, Jamie Noon, Ollie Smith, Henry Paul, Olly Barkley, Charlie Hodgson, Matt Dawson, Andy Gomarsall, Harry Ellis, Andy Goode, Graham Rowntree, Andy Sheridan, Phil Vickery, Steve Thompson, Andy Titterrell, George Chuter, Danny Grewcock, Simon Shaw, Steve Borthwick, Ben Kay, Lewis Moody, Andy Hazell, Joe Worsley, Chris Jones, Matt Stevens, Martin Corry.

Ireland squad: Simon Best, Bernard Jackman, Alan Quinlan, Denis Leamy, Gary Longwell. Anthony Foley, Johnny O'Connor, Simon Easterby, Paul O'Connell, Malcolm O'Kelly, John Hayes, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Frankie Sheahan, Marcus Horan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Eric Miller, Tommy Bowe, Kieran Campbell, Gordon D'Arcy, Anthony Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll (captain), Shaun Payne, Geordan Murphy, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Kevin Maggs, Denis Hickie, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Guy Easterby, David Humphreys, Gavin Duffy.

- REUTERS