RUGBY/Six Nations: Kevin Maggs was expected to undergo an operation yesterday to insert a metal plate to stabilise the broken arm he received in Bath's defeat by Leicester last weekend.

Ireland team manager Brian O'Brien suggested that Maggs could be out of commission for up to 12 weeks thereby ruling him out of the remaining Six Nations Championship matches against Italy and France but also Ireland's summer tour to New Zealand in June.

It represents a huge blow to Ireland's chances of winning the Six Nations as Maggs had been in superb form, particularly in the victories over Wales and Scotland.

An extended Irish squad trained in Belfast yesterday - the session at Ravenhill was open to the public.

Keith Gleeson did not train because of a groin strain nor did outhalf David Humphreys (ankle) and number eight Anthony Foley (finger). A match squad of 22 for the game against Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday week is expected to be announced tomorrow.

The Ireland management team are optimistic that Keith Wood will be available for the Italian match.

Harlequins have not given up hope that Wood could make his return following a torn calf muscle in the club's Zurich Premiership game against Newcastle at The Stoop on Saturday.

The Ireland captain would need to give a firm indication to Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan that he would be fit to play for his club to merit consideration for the following weekend.