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.