Brian O’Driscoll looks set to play a full part in the upcoming autumn internationals after training with the Ireland squad on the first day of their camp at Carton House on Monday.
The Leinster centre has been out of action with a torn calf muscle for the last month but has completed his rehab period.
O’Driscoll will not play in Leinster’s RaboDirect Pro12 game away to the Dragons on Friday as his testimonial dinner takes place in Dublin on the same evening. Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is set to be without his 17 Irish squad members for the game in Wales because of the function.
The good news about O’Driscoll was offset by a long list of bumps and niggles amongst Joe Schmidt’s squad ahead of the three-game autumn series, with four players called in today to provide cover.
The Ulster duo of Andrew Trimble and Roger Wilson, Munster's Donncha O'Callaghan and Leinster prop Martin Moore have joined the Ireland camp.
Keith Earls (knee), Cian Healy (knee) and Paul O'Connell (calf strain) will all miss training this week due to their injuries, while Declan Fitzpatrick (calf), Rory Best (ankle), Robbie Henshaw (hip) and Seán O'Brien (ankle) are all expected to return later in the week.
Mike Ross sat out today's session because of a strained hamstring, but could train as early as Tuesday.
Outhalf Johnny Sexton has joined up with Ireland squad, although he may be recalled by Racing Metro for this weekend's Top-14 clash against Biarritz.
The Ireland management will decide after training on Tuesday which players will be released back to their provinces for this weekend’s Pro 12 fixtures, although the long list of injury concerns might limit the amount.
