Iain Henderson available for Ireland's Six Nations clash against Italy

Ireland have received a much needed boost ahead of their third round Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome with lock Iain Henderson declared available.

The 26-year-old, who missed the opening two rounds of the competition with an injury was cited for a dangerous play when he represented Ulster during the recently concluded Pro14 game against Ospreys which the Irish regional side went on to win 0-8.

Henderson was cited for a tackle on Ospreys flanker Sam Cross which was alleged to have been a breach of Law 9.11 but the panel dismissed the charges stating that the action warranted not more than a yellow-card thereby clearing him of any suspension.

Meanwhile, second row Tadhg Beirne is also included in Ireland's 34-man squad after he overcame a knee injury that kept him out of the opening two games while Chris Farrell has resumed his training with the team on Tuesday after he was reviewed by the medical team.

Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock has been ruled out of the upcoming encounter against Conor O'Shea's men following hamstring injuries and will continue their rehabilitation with their club Leinster.

Ireland 34-man squad:

Forwards: Rory Best (c), Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Sean Cronin, Ultan Dillane, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Dave Kilcoyne, Jack McGrath, Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony, Quinn Roux, James Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Josh van der Flier

Backs: Bundee Aki Caolin Blade, Adam Byrne, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway, John Cooney, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Tom Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale