Ulster Hooker Rory Best has been named in the Ireland A squad to face the England Saxons on Saturday.
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The selected squad includes several players who have recently made their returns from injury, including Rory Best who was back in competitive action over the weekend.
An IRFU statement said the squad featured players who "will be looking to increase their competitive game-time ahead of the start of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship".
Lining out after 9 months on the sidelines, Best enjoyed a precious hour of game time for Banbridge in the AIB League on Saturday.
"It's great to be back. Obviously I waited a long time to play this season. So it was good to get some game time. Though it was pretty tough and the lungs are pretty tired now," he said.
The Ulster hooker was not due to be back playing until next season but after recovering from a neck injury earlier than expected he has been named in Ireland's 6 Nations Squad.
"This is just one small step on the way to getting back and you know hopefully in two to four weeks time I might be up to that standard but it'll be up to Declan Kidney whether he selects me or not."
Ireland A play England Saxons on January 31, with kick-off at 2pm.
Team: Rory Best, Isaac Boss, Tony Buckley, Ryan Caldwell, Darren Cave, Ian Dowling, John Fogarty, Marcus Horan, Ian Humphreys, Denis Hurley, Shane Jennings, Keith Matthews, John Muldoon, Fergus McFadden, Johne Murphy, Mick O'Driscoller, Sean O'Brien, Niall Ronan, Mike Ross, Peter Stringer, Devin Toner, Paddy Wallace
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