Heaslip is still suffering the effects of a sprained ankle picked up in the victory over England but his absence from the Carton House session is merely seen as a precautionary measure.

The other casualty from the 20-16 win at Twickenham – Ireland’s sixth defeat of England in their last seven meetings – was captain Brian O’Driscoll who was accidentally kneed in the head by teammate Paul O’Connell.

But after undergoing a compulsory cognitive test, centre O’Driscoll was given the all clear to take part in the full training sessions.

Ulster duo Andrew Trimble and Paddy Wallace were also part of the session, despite not starting against England, although they are still due to play for their region against the Scarlets on Friday night.

Kidney was also able to call on the services of Leicester winger Johne Murphy after the Tigers decided they did not require his services for the rematch of last year’s Guinness Premiership play-off final against London Irish.