Henry returns for Ireland

27 May 2015 12:01

Chris Henry will make his first appearance for Ireland since suffering a mini-stroke in November when he features in Thursday's clash with the Barbarians.

The 30-year-old flanker returned to Ulster action in March, and now has the chance to stake his World Cup claim against the Barbarians at Thomond Park.

Henry joins captain Jamie Heaslip in a strong Ireland side for the non-cap international, with Leinster's uncapped 24-year-old centre Colm O'Shea making his senior bow.

Ireland are without their Munster contingent - Paul O'Connell and company are gearing up for Saturday's Guinness PRO12 final against Glasgow at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium.

Dan Tuohy partners Devin Toner in the lock cordon in talisman O'Connell's absence, while Ian Madigan starts at fly-half, preferred to Ulster's Paddy Jackson.

Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong joins O'Shea as the second uncapped player in the starting line-up, with three more on the bench.

Ulster flanker Henry underwent a procedure to repair a defect in his heart wall in November, after being taken ill in the build-up to Ireland's autumn international Test clash with South Africa.

Henry suffered "a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain" on the morning of Ireland's Springboks clash on November 8.

The 16-cap back-rower has made a full recovery, however, returning to top form in the latter half of Ulster's campaign.

IRELAND XV TO FACE THE BARBARIANS: R Kearney, D Kearney, C O'Shea (all Leinster), L Marshall, C Gilroy (both Ulster), I Madigan, E Reddan, J McGrath, R Strauss, T Furlong, D Toner (all Leinster), D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry (all Ulster), J Heaslip (Leinster, capt). Replacements: R Herring (Ulster), M Bent, M Ross, B Marshall, J Murphy, L McGrath (all Leinster), P Jackson (Ulster), C Kelleher (Leinster).

Source: PA