Ireland add Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey to Six Nations squad

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has added Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey to the squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

The 27-year-old was left out of the original 35-man squad named by Farrell but now will link up with them on Tuesday in their training camp in Portugal. The decision follows after a number of Ireland players picked up niggles during the recently concluded European round.

"Stu has been playing well over the past few weeks and played well again at the weekend," Farrell said.

"Centre is a very competitive area in the squad and with a few backs picking up small niggles at the weekend, Stu is the form back who will now be added to the group to give us some extra options."

Centre Chris Farrell is also nursing a knee injury that he sustained in the recently concluded Champions Cup win for Munster against Ospreys while Leinster full-back Jordan Larmour has picked up a foot injury during Leinster's win over Benetton.

Ireland will begin the Six Nations campaign with a clash against Scotland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 1st February.