Gissing called into Ireland squad

Six Nations News round-up: Leinster second row Ben Gissing received a call-up to the extended Ireland squad after Leo Cullen was forced to withdraw with a back injury yesterday.

Cullen, a late withdrawal, missed Leinster's 55-3 victory over the Gwent Dragons with a disc problem and will have a scan this morning.

Matt McCullough was first in line for a call-up but he was ruled out with a foot injury while fellow Ulster second row Gary Longwell was precluded from travelling down to Dublin because of a neck injury. New Zealand-born Gissing, scored a try and picked up a few stitches at Lansdowne Road yesterday before heading to Citywest and his appointment with the national squad.

Brian O'Driscoll, who missed the Dragons game as a precaution with a slight shoulder strain, is in no danger of missing next Sunday's opening Six Nations game against Italy. Munster flanker Alan Quinlan, who suffered a broken nose while playing for the province on Saturday, was cleared to train with the national squad after a comprehensive examination.

France suffered a new injury blow yesterday when number eight Imanol Harinordoquy became the seventh regular ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Scotland.

"Imanol told us he wouldn't be available. We have decided to call up Patrick Tabacco to replace him," said team manager Jo Maso as the 22-player squad assembled at Paris-Orly airport on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Harinordoquy suffered a slight dislocation of his right shoulder during a French championship match between his club Biarritz and Pau on Friday.

He joined fellow first choice loose forwards Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen on the injured list. Lock Pascal Pape, flyhalf Julien Peyrelongue, centre Yannick Jauzion and fullback Nicolas Brusque are also unavailable for Saturday's game at the Stade de France.

Meanwhile, England coach Andy Robinson looks set to receive an encouraging fitness bulletin when his players begin assembling for their opener against Wales.

Newcastle centre Jamie Noon's leg injury has improved considerably since Friday night, when he left Vicarage Road on crutches following Newcastle's 32-13 defeat against Saracens.

And Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell also reported an improvement after receiving ice-pack treatment on his knee and ankle during the past 24 hours.