Irish squad for series is named

Hooker Jerry Flannery, wing Luke Fitzgerald, scrum-half Tomas O'Leary and lock Leo Cullen missed out on Ireland's 34-man squad for next month's internationals, but could be recalled if their fitness improves.

Ireland will host South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina on successive weekends from 6 November.

"We felt it was important to have at least 30 fit players to choose from in terms of setting the foundations for November and it was better for those who picked up knocks to be assessed back in the provinces and when they have the all clear, to come back into the squad… over the next couple of weeks," said coach Declan Kidney. "We need everybody in a position to be able to contribute in training. There are a lot of players who are unlucky not to make this squad, but the door will remain open to them also during November to join up with the panel."

IRELAND SQUAD

Forwards: R Best, T Buckley, T Court, S Cronin, S Ferris, J Hayes, C Healy, J Heaslip, M Horan, D Leamy, J Muldoon, D O'Callaghan, S O'Brien, M O'Driscoll, M Ross, D Ryan, D Toner, D Varley, D Wallace. Backs: I Boss, T Bowe, G D'Arcy, G Duffy, K Earls, S Horgan, R Kearney, J Murphy, R O'Gara, B O'Driscoll, E Reddan, J Sexton, P Stringer, A Trimble, Py Wallace.