Coach Joe Schmidt has praised the versatility of Will Addison, having added the Cumbrian to Ireland’s training squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Penrith-born Addison, who qualifies to play for Schmidt’s side through his Fermanagh-born mother, made his debut in a 54-7 win against Italy and impressed in the November internationals.
The 26-year-old has not played since January though after a back injury, and missed out on a place in Ireland’s original 44-man training squad.
“It’s great to have Will back and he looks sharp - his versatility means he is a handy man to have," Schmidt said.
Utility back Addison, who joined Ulster from Sale Sharks last summer, linked up with the squad at a training camp in Galway.
"Will came in for us last November and did a great job and he, obviously, did very well for Ulster before his injury. One of his real strengths is his versatility, especially when you are restricted to 31 players in a final World Cup squad," Schmidt told BBC Sport.
The Ireland coach added Johnny Sexton will be fit for next month’s warm-up game against Italy after a thumb sprain.
Ireland will play four warm-up matches between August 10 and September 7 before travelling to Japan, where they will face Scotland in their Pool A opener on September 22.
Elsewhere, Cumbrian Mark Wilson is with England’s 35-man World Cup training squad, while former Carlisle duo Gary Graham and Chris Harris were part of Scotland’s initial 42-man squad.
That number will be reduced to 31 for the start of the tournament.
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