Joe Schmidt has named seven uncapped players in an extended 44-man Ireland squad to contest the Six Nations.
Cardiff Blues back-five forward Robin Copeland leads the list of new additions for head coach Schmidt.
The former Leinster boss has also selected Connacht's New Zealand-born prop Rodney Ah You, Robbie Diack, Rob Herring, Martin Moore and Jordi Murphy up front, with Kieran Marmion the sole uncapped recruit to the backline.
Ireland bosses have not selected Richardt Strauss, Donnacha Ryan, Roger Wilson, Tommy Bowe, Simon Zebo, Declan Fitzpatrick and Craig Gilroy.
Schmidt has given that seven-strong group the opportunity to prove their fitness with their provinces, and has reserved the right to call them into the squad during the course of the tournament.
Ireland's coaching staff accept longer-term absentees Sean O'Brien, Stephen Ferris, Mike Sherry and Stuart Olding are unlikely to play a part in the Six Nations.
"As always a number of the selections were very tight," Schmidt said.
"Following on from the Guinness Series (autumn internationals), there is an experienced core of players in the squad who will offer continuity, as well as some new additions who have been selected with an eye to the future."
Ireland will open their Six Nations campaign by hosting Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday, February 2.
The Ireland Wolfhounds, the second string side, will take on England Saxons at Gloucester's Kingsholm stadium on Saturday, January 25.
Schmidt is likely to ask for a mixture of youth and experience in that Gloucester clash, while Ireland stalwart Brian O'Driscoll will enter his final Six Nations poised to overtake Ronan O'Gara's Irish record 128 caps.
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