Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has called up Stuart McCloskey to his Guinness Six Nations squad with injuries hampering his backs.
The 27-year-old Ulster centre will meet up with the squad ahead of their training camp in Portugal this week despite initially not making the 35-man strong line-up even though he has enjoyed a hugely impressive run of form for his province.
McCloskey had been a surprise omission for many with Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki and Chris Farrell selected as the four options at centre instead.
“Stu has been playing well over the past few weeks and played well again at the weekend,” Farrell said.
“Centre is a very competitive area in the squad and with a few backs picking up small niggles at the weekend Stu is the form back who will now be added to the group to give us some extra options.”
McCloskey has had three Ireland caps to date, having made his debut in 2016, but such has been his form that calls for his inclusion have echoed far and wide.
He has been one of the form players in the country this season, alongside teammate John Cooney and Leinster centre Ringrose – having scored two tries and shown an array of creative skills, setting up numerous other scores.
The Ireland squad will gather on Tuesday before heading to Portugal for a week long training camp ahead of their opening game of the Guinness Six Nations against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on February 1.
