Three new boys included for Ireland

Declan Kidney has named three uncapped players in his initial 25-man Ireland squad for the upcoming tour to New Zealand.

Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick and Munster pair Mike Sherry and Simon Zebo have all been included by Kidney for the three-Test series, with the first game taking place on June 9. Ireland take on the Babarians a week on Tuesday in a warm-up, non-cap, clash in Gloucester before heading out to NZ - although the Kingsholm game will not feature any Leinster players as they are are up against Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro12 final on Sunday. The squad selected to go to New Zealand will be increased to 29, with four vacant places available to Kidney, who does welcome back Brian O'Driscoll following his recent shoulder problems. Ireland squad - Forwards: R Best (Ulster), S Cronin (Leinster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Fitzpatrick (Ulster), C Healy (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster), S O'Brien (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Mahony (Munster), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), M Sherry (Munster), D Tuohy (Ulster). Backs: D Cave (Ulster), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), R Kearney (Leinster), F McFadden (Leinster), C Murray (Munster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), R O'Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), J Sexton (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster), S Zebo (Munster).