Ward Rejoins Ireland Squad; Furlong Resumes Training
Ulster back row Bryn Ward has rejoined the Ireland squad, while prop Tadhg Furlong has resumed full training ahead of Saturday's Six Nations match against Italy, scheduled for 14:10 GMT.
Furlong, a three-time British and Irish Lions tight-head, missed last week's defeat to France in Paris due to a calf injury.
In a squad update on Monday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) stated:
"A decision will be made on his availability ahead of Thursday afternoon's team announcement."
The 33-year-old Furlong had limited appearances last year, featuring only once off the bench in the Six Nations because of injury.
Ward's Progress and Squad Details
Uncapped Bryn Ward was part of Ireland's pre-tournament training camp in Portugal and subsequently joined the Ireland XV panel for Friday's emphatic 52-14 loss to England A at Thomond Park.
The 21-year-old back rower, son of former Ireland flanker Andy Ward, has made a strong impression since breaking into the Ulster team earlier this season.
On Monday, Ireland trained at Clongowes Wood College in Kildare and reported no new injury concerns following Thursday's 36-14 loss to France.
Italy Squad Updates Ahead of Dublin Match
Italy has recalled Toulouse wing Ange Capuozzo to their squad for Saturday's trip to Dublin. The 26-year-old, who has scored 16 tries in 31 caps for the Azzurri, has been sidelined since December due to a finger injury.
However, Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada will be without Juan Ignacio Brex due to
"family reasons". The Argentine-born Toulon centre contributed to Louis Lynagh's try in Italy's recent victory over Scotland in Rome.
Additional absences for Italy include scrum-half Martin Page-Relo, fly-half Tommaso Allan, back rowers Sebastian Negri and Ross Vintcent, hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi, prop Marco Riccioni, and wing Edoardo Todaro.
