RFU hospitality news: Ronan O'Gara regains Ireland place

04/02/2010

Ronan O'Gara could be set to appear in front of rugby fans with RFU hospitality tickets for the England v Ireland clash if he can impress in his country's match-up with Italy.

The Munster fly-half has been named in the starting 15 for the Croke Park game against the Italians after Jonathan Sexton was ruled out earlier in the week with a dead leg.

Both players have been in good form of late, although Sexton was widely tipped to be awarded a starting role ahead of O'Gara on Saturday after putting in strong performances against Fiji and world champions South Africa in the 2009 autumn internationals.

If O'Gara can impress coach Declan Kidney in the opening round of 6 Nations matches, he could find himself in prime position to start against England in front of RFU hospitality ticketholders for the February 27th game at Twickenham.

Elsewhere in the Ireland squad, Leinster flanker Kevin McLaughlin stands to make his debut as a replacement for the injured Stephen Ferris.

"It's a big step up for me but I'm going to treat it like any other game," McLaughlin said.

Posted by Keith Prowse