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Six Nations: Ireland drop Sean Cronin ahead of France clash

Sean Cronin has been left out of the Ireland squad to face France. Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Sean Cronin has been dropped from Ireland's 37-man squad for the Six Nations clash against France on Sunday in Dublin.

The Leinster forward started a Six Nations match for the first time during Ireland's 26-16 victory over Italy but was replaced just before the hour mark by Niall Scannell.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) also confirmed that Ulster's Rob Herring has been called up as one of the three hookers alongside Scannell and captain Rory Best, who missed the win over Italy.

CJ Stander has recovered from a facial injury with Garry Ringrose, Cian Healy, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan and Kieran Marmion also returning to action.

Ireland are in third position in the Six Nations table, winning two out of the three matches and losing the opener against England at the Aviva Stadium.

Full Ireland squad

Forwards (21): Rory Best, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Ultan Dillane, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Jack McGrath, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Andrew Porter, Quinn Roux, Rhys Ruddock, James Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier.

Backs (16): Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway, John Cooney, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Tom Farrell, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Kieran Marmion, Conor Murray, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale.