Eoin not going with Irish - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Eoin not going with Irish

Wasps scrum-half Eoin Reddan is a surprise omission from Ireland's extended squad for the RBS 6 Nations opener against France.

Reddan lost his place in the starting line-up for the autumn series to Tomas O'Leary and was expected to compete with the Munster half-back throughout the championship.

Instead, Munster's second choice number nine Peter Stringer has been preferred in the 27-strong party named on Friday - despite spending much of the season on the bench.

Head coach Declan Kidney has otherwise stuck largely with Ireland's tried and tested as they seek to register a rare victory over France, a team they last beat in 2003.

Ulster's uncapped prop Tom Court is the only newcomer and he will provide front row cover for John Hayes and Marcus Horan from the bench.

Court can operate on either side of the scrum and his call-up is reward for a superb season that has seen him flourish under Ulster's new coaching regime led by Matt Williams.

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London