Six Nations: James Lowe and Jimmy O’Brien enter the fold for Ireland

Stan Wilson

James Lowe and Jimmy O’Brien, both of Leinster, have been called up by Ireland head coach Andy Farrell ahead of the visit of Italy.

Having recovered from injury, Lowe will look to earn his ninth Irish cap two weeks later than planned.

The wing re-joined Leinster‘s matchday squad and featured in their 29-7 victory over Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship at the weekend.

First cap on the cards

Uncapped O’Brien also played in the victory and will be hoping to make his Ireland bow at the Aviva Stadium.

Farrell’s side claimed a bonus-point win over Wales in their Six Nations opener before losing in France last time out.

Ireland also confirmed the 14 players released from the squad to play for their provinces had returned on Monday as preparations step up for the Italy encounter.

Revised Ireland Six Nations squad

Backs: Bundee Aki, Robert Baloucoune, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Craig Casey, Andrew Conway, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, James Hume, Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Michael Lowry, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Dave Heffernan, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Kieran Treadwell, Josh van der Flier

READ MORE: Wales: Taulupe Faletau called up to squad ahead of Six Nations game with England