Ireland head for a spell in Spala

Ireland will return to their Polish training camp in Spala on Saturday as they step up preparations for the nation's most eagerly-awaited Rugby World Cup campaign.

With three out of the last four Triple Crowns in the trophy cabinet, and a mature, experienced squad, many believe Ireland could be the tournament's dark horses - if they can get through the 'Pool of Pain' which includes France and Argentina.

The squad will use the extensive facilities at Spala, which includes a cryotherapy centre, to resume their pre-season conditioning programme.

Players who did not take part in last month's Test series defeat in Argentina have already had one spell in Spala and they will be joined by the touring party for the second stint, which ends on July 14.

Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "Spala has been an important part of our preparations for a number of seasons.

"It allows the players to train harder and, more importantly, recover more quickly from their physical exertion.

"The players who did not tour Argentina responded well to their first camp, so we have hit the ground running in our preparations."

Upon their return from Poland, the players will continue training with their provinces before reconvening in Limerick on July 29 in preparation for the first World Cup warm-up Test against Scotland on August 11.

O'Sullivan will select his final 30-strong squad for the tournament in France the following day, 48 hours before the IRB deadline of August 14.

Ireland depart for Bordeaux, their base during the World Cup pool stages, on September 5 and open their tournament against Namibia four days later.