BEST NAMED IN ITALIAN SQUAD

As the Leader correctly predicted in Tuesday's edition Best made it into the squad to play Italy on Saturday as his remarkable road to recovery from a neck injury nears completion.

Best played in the first half of Ireland A's game with England Saxons on Sunday before being replaced by Leinster's John Fogerty at the interval.

Irish coach Declan Kidney was in the stands to watch both Best and Munster's Marcus Horan, who was also back in action for the Irish - although Horan has missed out on a place in the squad.

An operation on a chronic disc condition was expected to rule the Poyntzpass man out for the entire season.

Speaking after the game, Ireland A coach Michael Bradley said: "Rory did really well and we felt at half-time he was running out of steam. It's a big ask to play against a quality side like the Saxons for a full 80 minutes.

"There was no issue with the injury and it was just a match fitness decision."

The Irish went on to lose 17-13 at the Rec, despite having the gap closed to one point at half time.

Ireland's Ulster players held a press conference at Banbridge Rugby Club last week and although he was unavailable as he was travelling to the Saxons game he said through a statement: "I'm delighted to have made a return to playing ahead of schedule and owe a debt of gratitude to Ulster and Ireland's medical and strength and conditioning teams.

"It's great to be back in the Irish team environment preparing for the RBS Six Nations, hopefully I get the chance to make a contribution on the pitch at some point during the campaign."

An injury to Jerry Flannery means that Ireland are currently short in the hooker department.

Munster star Flannery is currently recovering after undergoing exploratory surgery on his Achilles injury back in December.