article_snippet: The 29-year-old has missed Ireland's entire Six Nations campaign so far after damaging thumb ligaments in January.
article_snippet: The nine-cap second row has not featured in Test action since February 2014, nine-cap Six Nations cut short and autumn internationals wiped out after twice breaking nine-cap arm.
article_snippet: The former Gloucester and Exeter tight-five forward missed out as Ireland clinched the 2014 Six Nations title, before being ruled out of the autumn Tests after suffering another broken arm.
article_snippet: The luckless lock is back fit and firing again however, and will be keen to make an impression as Ireland gear up to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
highlights_snippet: The second row hasn't featured in Test action since February 2014 .