An unchanged Irish squad of 29 players has been named for next week's get-together in Cork on Monday and Tuesday, although the ensuing news of James Topping's injury in training yesterday will result in the withdrawal of the Ulster winger.

The session has been trimmed from three days to two in a bid to enhance relations between English clubs and the Irish management. The squad will train in the Mardyke from about 10-11.30 a.m. and from 34.30 p.m. on Monday and from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Ballincollig RFC on Tuesday, with all sessions open to the public.

Eric Elwood has been selected for his first game since damaging his medial knee ligament in Connacht's defeat to Leinster two months ago.

Elwood comes back a week earlier than anticipated to captain Connacht in their European Shield Pool A game away to Caerphilly tomorrow.