Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named a 45-man training squad for the four summer Test matches, ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Schmidt plumps for experience
Only two of the 45 players named in the squad have yet to have win a cap for their nation, in the form of Leinster forwards Jack Conan and Tadhg Furlong.
Paul O'Connell will lead the side once more before his impending international retirement.
The Toulon-bound lock has won everything possible barring the World Cup, and will be hoping for a dream swansong before heading for the South of France.
Ruddock forced to miss out
Back-rower Rhys Ruddock has been forced to miss out on selection through injury in the biggest blow to the Irish sides preparation so far.
Schmidt said of Ruddock "he would have been selected but has been ruled out after fracturing his arm against Uruguay in the Tiblisi Cup."
Four warm-up games scheduled
Ireland have four warm-up matches over the summer to get the best preparation possible going into the World Cup.
Schmidt's side face the Welsh home and away in August, as well as hosting Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, before they end their preparations with a trip to Twickenham to face England on September 5th.
Squad in full
Forwards: Rory Best (Ulster), Michael Bent, Jack Conan, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip (all Leinster), Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Rob Herring (all Ulster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien (all Leinster), Paul O'Connell, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony (all Munster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner (both Leinster) and Dan Tuohy (Ulster).
Backs: Isaac Boss (Leinster), Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave (both Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Keith Earls (Munster), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Felix Jones (Munster), Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan (all Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Fergus McFadden (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid (both Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (Racing 92), Andrew Trimble (Ulster) and Simon Zebo (Munster).