Ireland Rugby Squad Begin First Preseason Camp:

The Ireland squad converged in Kildare this evening for the first of the three planned preseason camps as part of preparations for the Rugby World Cup in September.

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney recently announced a 43 man panel that would take part in this first camp which included four uncapped players in Conor Murray, Felix Jones, Brett Wilkinson and Mike McCarthy.

While the majority of players have already begun some level of preseason training depending on when they finished playing, there are several players from that original 43 man squad who will not be attending due to injury or ongoing rehabilitation.

Brett Wilkinson pulled his hamstring and has remained in his provincial centre to begin rehabilitation on the injury. Stephen Ferris has returned to full running following his knee injury in January, but has remained with Ulster to continue his rehabilitation programme.

Gordon D’Arcy had injured his right ankle during the Heineken Cup Final and having not responded to treatment, underwent surgery last week. It is expected that he will return to full training at the start of August and should be available for selection for the home Guinness Summer Series games against France and England.

Tickets for Ireland v England and Ireland v France in the Guinness Summer Series are on sale now. There is great value with tickets starting at just 20 Euro. Family Packages for two adults and two kids start at 60 Euro. The first phase was snapped up but more family packages have been made available.

Ireland Rugby World Cup Preseason Schedule
June 27th – July 1st: Ireland Squad camp, Carton House, Kildare
July 2nd – July 14th: Players based in provincial/club centres
July 14th – July 15th: Ireland Squad camp, Carton House, Kildare
July 16th – July 24th: Players based in provincial/club centres
July 25th – July 29th: Ireland Squad camp, Carton House, Kildare

Guinness Summer Series
August 6th: Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
August 13th: France v Ireland, Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux
August 18th: Ireland Select XV v Connacht, Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin
August 20th: Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
August 27th: Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium, Dublin