Tommy Bowe has been named in the squad despite being dropped before the Rugby World Cup in September, the Monaghan man will be delighted to be included and http://www.ulsterrugby.com/ will catch up with him later in the week to get his reaction.

Paddy Wallace has also been named in the backs alongside fellow Ulsterman Andrew Trimble.

With Rory Best expected to recover from an ankle sprain over the next number of weeks the Ulster Captain has been named in the squad despite not being named to travel to Gloucester this weekend.

Namesake Neil Best has also been included in the squad which should meet in Dublin over the next two weeks to begin preparation for the tournament which kicks off against Italy on the 2^nd February in Dublin.

Commenting on the selection, Ireland Coach Eddie O’Sullivan said, “First and foremost I feel this squad reflects the form of the players in the Heineken Cup and Magners League and I am excited to introduce some young blood into the mix for the six nations.  Some of the younger players have really put their hands up through their performances and have earned their spot in the squad.  At the same time it again threw up some tight calls, especially in the backrow, which always seems to be the same every time we select a squad. However, I think we have the balance right going into the championship”

Ireland Squad (33):
 
Forwards (18):
Neil Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Simon Easterby (Llanelli)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Clontarf/Leinster)
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Bernard Jackman (Clontarf/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Johnny O’Connor (Galwegians/Connacht)
Mick O’Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Malcolm O’Kelly (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
Alan Quinlan (Shannon/Munster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
 
Backs (15):
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College/Leinster)
Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (Wasps)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
 
Not considered due to injury:
Simon Best (Belfast Harlequins)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)