Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has called-up uncapped Connacht prop Finlay Bealham to replace Wasps-bound Marty Moore.
Leinster confirmed this afternoon that Moore will miss this year's Six Nations after suffering a hamstring tear during Saturday's defeat to Wasps in the European Champions Cup.
Shortly afterwards, the English Premiership club announced that they've recruited the 24-year-old for next season on what's believed to be a three-year contract.
However, there's better news from the Ireland camp in relation to Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw.
Sexton was thought to be a doubt with a concussion injury, but Leinster head coach Leo Cullen revealed earlier that he had passed his cognitive tests during last Saturday's loss to Wasps but hadn't returned to the game as a precaution.
The IRFU have now confirmed that the out-half has passed two H-I-A tets already and will complete a third exam tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Robbie Henshaw also suffered no ill-effects from his recent hand fracture after playing for Connacht at the weekend.
Also in rugby, controversial Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley has been named as the new England captain ahead of this year's Six Nations.
And Ulster have agreed to release second-row Louis Stevenson from his contract with immediate effect in order to allow him join Exeter Chiefs.
