Originally Posted by skysports.com

Ireland trio Shane Horgan, Robert Kearney and John Kelly have all been ruled out of the Six Nations opener against Wales on February 4.

Leinster wing Horgan [pictured] is out for six weeks after undergoing knee surgery, while Kearney has a hamstring strain and Kelly a rib problem.

Horgan will not be available until England's visit to Croke Park on February 24 at the earliest, the third match of Ireland's campaign.

"In addition to this, there are fifteen players unable to train today due to minor injuries or having played yesterday," the Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] said in a statement.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan cancelled a planned training session on Monday to allow his squad an extra day of recovery.

"The squad have picked up a couple of knocks at the weekend," said O'Sullivan.

"It was in the best interests of the players to prioritise rehab and recovery today to allow us to hit the ground running tomorrow."

O'Sullivan has called up Connacht full-back Danny Riordan, Leinster's versatile back Kieran Lewis and Northampton centre David Quinlan to cover for the injured trio.

Experienced lock Malcolm O'Kelly is still being assessed by doctors after suffering a recurrence of a previous knee injury during Leinster's defeat at Gloucester on Friday.