Hickie doubtful for Ireland

Ireland wing Denis Hickie is a doubt for Saturday's Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship game against France in Paris.

Ireland wing Denis Hickie is a doubt for Saturday's Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship game against France in Paris.

Hickie has been receiving treatment for a back spasm and Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan has called up Tyrone Howe from the A team to the senior squad as a precaution.

Howe's place in the A team for tomorrow night's game goes to Gordon D'Arcy of Leinster with Munster's Anthony Horgan switching to the left wing.

London Irish back Justin Bishop fills the vacancy left on the substitutes' bench.

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Meanwhile, Ireland A's bid for a first grand slam has been hit by the withdrawal of out-half Paul Burke from the team to play France A tomorrow.

The Harlequins fly-half, who has played in all four A international victories this season scoring 74 points, failed a medical test on an injured ankle today and has been replaced at number 10 by Barry Everitt of London Irish.

PA