Sean O'Brien has been included in the Ireland starting side announced by coach Joe Schmidt on Thursday for the Six Nations opener away to Italy this weekend, just days after returning to competitive action.
The British and Irish Lions flanker is set to play his first Test since 2013, after two shoulder reconstructions, when Ireland begin the defence of their Six Nations title in Rome on Saturday.
Fourteen months on the sidelines ended when the 27-year-old O'Brien played for the second-string Irish Wolfhounds against the England Saxons on January 30.
Now a shoulder injury to fellow backrower Jamie Heaslip has paved the way for the 30-times capped O'Brien to play for the full Ireland side for the first time since their heart-breaking 24-22 defeat by world champions New Zealand in November 2013.
Veteran lock Paul O'Connell continues to captain the side in what will be Ireland's first Six Nations since the retirement of star centre Brian O'Driscoll.
However, Ireland proved their was life after 'BOD' by winning all three of their recent November Tests, which included victories over South Africa (29-15) and Australia (26-23).
Ireland (15-1)
Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; Paul O'Connell (capt), Devin Toner; Mike Ross, Rory Best, Jack McGrath
Replacements: Sean Cronin, James Cronin, Martin Moore, Iain Henderson, Tommy O'Donnell, Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan Felix Jones.
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