The 25-year-old centre only returned to full training on Monday after receiving treatment on his hamstring injury at a rehabilitation camp in Spala, Poland.

But he was unable to complete Tuesdays session after he reported tightness in his hamstring and was withdrawn as a precautionary measure.

With Irelands team to face England set to be announced on Wednesday lunchtime, DArcys involvement in Saturdays encounter now looks to be under threat - although there was better news for his centre colleague Brian ODriscoll.

The inspirational Ireland captain, who has also been nursing a hamstring problem, came though a full session unscathed and will be named in Eddie OSullivans side.

The Leinster centres have been earmarked as a potential midfield partnership for this summers Lions tour to New Zealand.

But DArcy, who has endured an injury-plagued last eight months, may need more game time to convince tour manager Sir Clive Woodward that he should partner ODriscoll in the Test series.