Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has released five players from his squad to return to their provinces for this weekend's Pro-12 fixtures.

Martin Moore's release had already been confirmed after the tighthead prop was included in the Leinster team for tomorrow's trip to Rodney Parade face the Dragons.

Meanwhile, Donncha O'Callaghan and James Coughlan have been made available to Munster this weekend and Andrew Trimble and Roger Wilson have returned to the Ulster set-up.

The IRFU have also confirmed that Jonathan Sexton will return to Paris ahead of Racing Metro's clash this weekend against Biarritz, although it remains unclear if the out-half will play in the Top-14 fixture.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan