Both have had to make do with a place in the Wolfhounds squad as Kidney looks set to stick with his old guard – but McLaughlin believes his national counterpart has missed a trick.

“It is disappointing,” said McLaughlin. “Declan has decided he is going to stick with his World Cup squad and give them an opportunity in the Six Nations.

“Chris Henry has been exceptional all season and Dan Tuohy has shown in the last two or three games that he’s very capable of playing at that level.

"We're disappointed that those two are not included in the senior squad. But we're delighted that they are going to get an opportunity to show what they can do with the Wolfhounds.”

Kidney however is adamant that everyone will get their chance to shine before he names his match-day squad for Ireland’s Six Nations opener, confirming he will wait until after the Wolfhounds’ clash against England Saxons on January 28 before picking his 22.

“The Wolfhounds game gives myself and the other coaches one final chance to give games to players to see possible options before we settle on our match day 22 for the opening game,” said Kidney.

"It also gives us the opportunity to have a closer look in training at some of the younger players, rather than bringing in more experienced players, who are very much still in the frame for selection."