Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast replaces Tom Ahern in Ireland's training squad

The Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Munster's Tom Ahern has been withdrawn from the training squad following an injury.

Ahern sustained a head knock while playing for his province in the recently concluded Investec Champions Cup defeat against Northampton Saints and will now continue his rehabilitation with Munster.

He was one of the three uncapped players selected in the Ireland squad alongside Oli Jager and Sam Prendergast.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast as a replacement for Ahern. He has played three times for Ireland previously but missed out on the selection in the World Cup last year.

Ireland begin kick start their Six Nations title defence on 2nd February against France in Marseille.