GORDON D’Arcy has not been included in Joe Schmidt’s 36-man Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s game against Wales at the Millenium Stadium.
The team announcement will come as a blow to the 35-year-old Leinster centre, whose last international game was in November against Australia.
With Robbie Henshaw the favoured option in the Six Nations campaign so far, and Ian Madigan providing support on the bench, D’Arcy’s chances of returning to play for Ireland are dwindling.
Leinster props Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong have been included along with Ulster second-row Dan Tuohy, who will return from injury.
Fergus McFadden, Rhys Ruddock and in-form Ulster winger Craig Gilroy have not been recalled to the set up, as Schmidt is expected to put forward a similar line-up for Ireland’s next game.
Roger Wilson and Billy Holland have been left out of the squad after taking part in training in preparation to the victory against England.
Ireland Squad:
Forwards (20)
Michael Bent, Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Iain Henderson, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy , Sean O'Brien, Paul O'Connell, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony, Mike Ross, Dominic Ryan, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Dan Touhy
Backs (16)
Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw, Felix Jones, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Keatley, Ian Madigan, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Zebo
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