O'Brien will wear seven against the Saxons.

O'Brien will wear seven against the Saxons.

SEAN O’BRIEN HAS been included in the Ireland Wolfhounds team to face the England Saxons at Musgrave Park tomorrow evening [KO 19.45].

The Leinster back row makes his return from long-term shoulder injury problems at openside flanker, having last played in September’s Guinness Pro12 clash against Glasgow Warriors.

Felix Jones captains Dan McFarland’s side from fullback and is joined in the back three by Fergus McFadden and Luke Fitzgerald. Keith Earls continues his recovery from knee injury at 13, outside the veteran Gordon D’Arcy.

Ian Madigan gets a chance to reacquaint himself with the out-half position just over a week before the Six Nations opener against Italy on 7 February, partnering Connacht’s Kieran Marmion in the halfbacks.

O’Brien makes up an all-Leinster back row with Jack Conan and Dominic Ryan, while Mike McCarthy is paired with Iain Henderson in the engine room. Richardt Strauss is at hooker, as Mike Ross gets a chance in the number three shirt, while Jack McGrath returns from suspension at loosehead.

Connacht’s Nathan White is included on the bench ahead of the Six Nations, while young Eoin McKeon will hope to impress too. Isaac Boss, Noel Reid and Craig Gilroy provide cover for the backs.

Burgess starts for the Saxons. Source: Andrew Fosker/INPHO

Meanwhile, Sam Burgess has been given the nod at inside centre for the Saxons. Their backline also includes Chris Ashton, Marland Yarde and Exeter’s exciting Henry Slade.

Matt Kvesic, Thomas Waldrom and James Gaskell will lead the charge up front.

Ireland Wolfhounds:

15. Felix Jones (captain)

14. Fergus McFadden

13. Keith Earls

12. Gordon D’Arcy

11. Luke Fitzgerald

10. Ian Madigan

9. Kieran Marmion

1. Jack McGrath

2. Richardt Strauss

3. Mike Ross

4. Iain Henderson

5. Mike McCarthy

6. Dominic Ryan

7. Sean O’Brien

8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring

17. Michael Bent

18. Nathan White

19. Robbie Diack

20. Eoin McKeon

21. Isaac Boss

22. Noel Reid

23. Craig Gilroy