Farrell due to reveal Ireland Six Nations squad

Ireland boss Andy Farrell is expected to name his training squad ahead of the Guinness Six Nations later today.

The announcement will mark a new chapter for the team after the retirement of captain Johnny Sexton following Ireland's World Cup quarter-final loss last year.

Veteran wing Keith Earls also called time on his career after the defeat to New Zealand.

Farrell will be without the services of wingers Mack Hansen and Jimmy O’Brien, who are both ruled out through injury, as is hooker Rob Herring, who suffered an arm injury in Ulster training last week.

Prop Dave Kilcoyne was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, while fellow Munster prop Oli Jager could feature after his move from Crusaders.

Munster back Simon Zebo, who won the last of his 35 caps in 2017, may come back into contention after a series of impressive displays for his club, while Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune, Munster wings Shane Daly and Calvin Nash, and Leinster’s Jordan Larmour are among the options.

Tom Ahern, the versatile Munster forward, has also been prominent in recent matches and could earn a call-up, while team-mate also John Hodnett has claims.

Leinster out-half Ross Byrne is currently on the injury list, while team-mates Ciarán Frawley and Harry Byrne are to be assessed by their club this week as they deal with rib and foot injuries, respectively.

Former Ireland U20 out-half Sam Prendergast has also impressed in nine appearances for Leinster, and could provide back-up for Munster's Jack Crowley, the frontrunner to replace Sexton.

Farrell, last week named as Lions boss for the trip to Australia next year, is also expected to reveal Sexton's replacement as captain with forwards James Ryan and Caelan Doris possible candidates