Ireland have been dealt a blow with the news that Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss will miss the Six Nations with an ankle ligament injury.
The 26-year-old is expected to be out of action for at least 10 weeks for the injury he suffered during his side's Heineken Cup win over Exeter Chiefs at the weekend.
As a result, Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has added Munster's James Coughlan, Tommy O'Donnell, Mike Sherry, Damien Varley and Ian Keatley to his training squad, in addition to Leinster duo Rhys Ruddock and Kevin McLaughlin.
Ireland are also sweating on Ulster's Roger Wilson's fitness ahead of next month's tournament.
