Schmidt Hails Addison Addition

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was delighted to add Ulster utility back Will Addison to his World Cup training squad. Schmidt, 26, who represented England at Under-20 level, made his Ireland debut last November and was capped twice before injury ended his season early.

Related: Genia Confirms Test Retirement Plans

The Penrith-born star was forced to go under the surgeon’s knife in January and it seems as though the man who can play at centre, on the wing or as a full-back will be ready to contend for a spot in the Far East showpiece. “It’s great to have Will back and he looks sharp – his versatility means he is a handy man to have,” Schmidt said. “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.” Forwards: Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Rory Best (Ulster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Sean Cronin (Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Ulster), Tommy O’Donnell (Munster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan (Munster), Niall Scannell (Munster), CJ Stander (Munster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster). Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Joey Carbery (Munster), Jack Carty (Connacht), Andrew Conway (Munster), John Cooney (Ulster), Keith Earls (Munster), Chris Farrell (Munster), Mike Haley (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Dave Kearney (Leinster), Rob Kearney (Leinster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Rory Scannell (Munster), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Will Addison (Ulster).