Cian Prendergast, Caolin Blade and Shayne Bolton have all returned to Connacht ahead of their game against Cardiff at the Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.30pm) while Thomas Ahern has been released back to Munster, who host Scarlets on Saturday at Thomond Park (kick-off 5.15pm).

Ireland are hoping to continue their Six Nations Grand Slam bid against Wales in 11 days time with a clean bill of health with the return of Tadhg Furlong, Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy from injury.

IRELAND SAY THEY are “optimistic” that Tadhg Furlong, Mack Hansen, and Joe McCarthy will be available for selection in the Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday 22 February. Tighthead prop Furlong has yet to feature in this Six Nations after he suffered a recurrence of his calf injury during their pre-championship training camp in Portugal but his return would be a big boost heading into the closing three rounds.