Easterby has taken charge temporarily, with Andy Farrell stepping aside to focus on leading the British and Irish Lions on their upcoming tour of Australia. His goal is to guide Ireland to an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations triumph.
First-choice hooker Sheehan has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during last summer’s tour of South Africa. Number eight Conan and versatile back O’Brien also missed Ireland’s mixed autumn campaign, in which they won three out of four matches, due to injury.
Meanwhile, tighthead prop Furlong was named in the autumn squad but was unable to play against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia due to a hamstring issue. All four Leinster players have been included in Easterby’s 36-man squad for the tournament, alongside uncapped provincial teammate Jack Boyle.
Ireland kicks off its campaign on Saturday, February 1st, with a home fixture against England in Dublin.
“The Guinness Six Nations is one of the most fiercely contested competitions in world rugby, and there’s great excitement within the squad and coaching team ahead of this year’s tournament,” Easterby said.
“On a personal level, I’m hugely excited to work with such a talented group, and from speaking with the players, I can tell they are ready for the challenge.
“We’re delighted to welcome back several players who were unavailable during the Autumn Nations Series, and their return will further raise the level of competition within the squad.
“While there’s good continuity in selection, having those players back massively strengthens our competitiveness.”
Loosehead prop Boyle, who was involved with the senior setup as a development player in the autumn, has been called up ahead of Ulster’s Tom O’Toole, who is suspended for Ireland’s first two matches.
The 22-year-old will hope to earn his Test debut, following in the footsteps of recent Ireland newcomers Tom Clarkson, Gus McCarthy, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Sam Prendergast.
Ireland’s Six Nations Fixtures:
- Ireland v England – February 1st
- Scotland v Ireland – February 9th
- Wales v Ireland – February 22nd
- Ireland v France – March 8th
- Italy v Ireland – March 15th