Standing tall for the Six Nations
By Aidan Begley

Ireland Rugby Union coach Eddie O’Sullivan has called up five uncapped players for the pending Six Nations series which begins in February.
Ulstermen Kieran Campbell, Roger Wilson and Ronan McCormack along with Connacht’s Bernard Jackson and Munster’s Shaun Payne were added to the squad and will be looking to make their debuts over the duration of the competition.
Gordon D’Arcy returns after injury along with Alan Quinlan, however back-row forward Victor Costello is left out.
Speaking at the announcement of the 35-man squad in Dublin, O’Sullivan stated the side was picked on recent performances at club level.
“The squad was picked purely on form. A lot of players have been showing some very good form recently, particularly in the Heineken Cup, so I felt it only right to award these performances. Kieran Campbell was one of those players and he deserves his call-up.”
“The Six Nations is a fantastic competition which normally produces some great encounters. Last time round we managed to work hard and play some impressive Rugby in order to claim the Triple Crown, which was a great achievement for us.
“This time round, we know that it will be tough as both England and France will be looking to turn in some good performances and will be there up battling for the Grand Slam and Wales have just come off the back of a good Autumn international series.
“This said, we know what we can do and we will be prepared both physically and mentally for our first game against Italy.”
Ireland squad
(Forwards): Best, Byrne, Corrigan, Cullen, S Easterby, Foley, Hayes, Horan, Jackman, Leamy, Miller, McCormack, O’Callaghan, O’Con-nell, O’Connor, O’Kelly, Quinlan, Sheahan, Wilson.
(Backwards): Bowe, Campbell, D’Arcy, Dempsey, Duffy, G East-erby, Hickie, A Horgan, S Horgan, Humphreys, Maggs, Murphy, O’Driscoll, O’Gara, Payne, Stringer.