The Irish squad has been dealt a blow, after two prominent squad players were ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations.
Ulster's Andrew Trimble suffered a broken hand in a Pro12 game on Friday, which has forced his withdrawal.
Meanwhile Connacht lock Ultan Dillane, who along with Iain Henderson is often seen as a back up to Donnacha Ryan and Devin Toner, will require surgery on a shoulder problem.
Trimble's Ulster team-mate Tommy Bowe has been called up to the squad as a result.
In better news for Ireland, Rob Kearney is said to be progressing well through his rehab of the groin injury he sustained against France.
The IRFU report he's due to train fully on Monday.
