Out half Ian Keatley is the first big casualty as Joe Schmidt begins reducing his squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The man who wears the Munster number 10 shirt has been left out of the 45 man training panel who will come together at the weekend, as preparations step up for September's tournament. Keatley started Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy in February, kicking 14 points in the a 26-3 victory in Rome, but having returned from injury Paddy Jackson is preferred as back up to Jonathan Sexton, along with Ian Madigan.
Rhys Ruddock has also been left out of the 45. The Leinster backrow scored a try when called on as a late replacement for Chris Henry in Ireland's win over South Africa in November, but he fractured his arm during the Emerging Ireland win over Uruguay last week. Henry is included in the squad having missed the Six Nations, as is his Ulster team mate Andrew Trimble. There are 2 uncapped players in the selection in Jack Conan and Tadhg Furlong.
Ireland will play warm up games against Wales and Scotland before another 14 players are cut. Joe Schmidt must name his 31 man squad for the World Cup before the 31st August.
