Injury rules out Horan

Marcus Horan of Ireland will miss the game against France

Marcus Horan has been ruled out of Ireland's opening RBS Six Nations match against France on 14 February.

The Munster prop, who has 15 caps, has withdrawn from the trip to Paris because of a back injury.

A decision on a replacement for Horan is expected on Tuesday when coach Eddie O'Sullivan names his starting line-up.

Stand-by prop forwards Simon Best, who sustained a rib injury at the weekend, and Justin Fitzpatrick joined the squad on Monday.

Ireland were already without winger Denis Hickie, full-back Geordan Murphy, wing forward Eric Miller and flanker Alan Quinlan.

There is still a doubt about the fitness of skipper Brian O'Driscoll who is battling to overcome a hamstring injury.

Ireland squad

Forwards: Simon Best, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Victor Costello, Simon Easterby, Justin Fitzpatrick, Anthony Foley, Keith Gleeson, John Hayes, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Malcolm O'Kelly, Frank Sheahan.
Backs: Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Guy Easterby, Shane Horgan, Tyrone Howe, David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer.