Rugby
Keith Earls has been forced to withdraw from Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Sunday due to personel reasons
Earls was originally selected to start at outside-centre in place of the injured Brian O’Driscoll.
It means Fergus McFadden will come into the team with Dave Kearney now among the subs.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has been able to include Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts in his team for Sundays game.
Both players had been suffering with knee injuries.
However flanker Dan Lydiate will miss the game with an ankle injury.
Gatland has been forced to make several changes from the World Cup quarter final win over Ireland.
Ryan Jones will replaces Lydiate.
Rhys Gill comes into the front row for the injured Gethin Jenkins.
Bradley Davies and Ian Evans form the second row pairing
and in the backline Alex Cuthbert makes his first start in place of retired winger Shane Williams.
