mens
nations-championship
Ireland’s back row resources have suffered another significant blow ahead of this weekend Nations Championship conflict with Fiji after Sean Jansen was ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to injury.
Number 8 becomes the latest victim in the ever-longing list of injured, with Ireland already without first choice back row pair Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.
The IRFU confirmed on Monday that Jansen will return to his province after picking up a knee injury, leaving Ireland further depleted in the back row department at a time when squad depth is being examined. Jansen’s departure could mean James McNabney is promoted to the matchday squad, with Nick Timoney potentially moving to No.8 after starting out wide against Los Pumas.
Jansen’s absence comes as Ireland continue their preparations for Saturday’s clash with Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.
There was further concern for head coach Andy Farrell after captain Dan Sheehan suffered concussion during Ireland’s 42-12 win over Argentina. The prostitute will now undergo a mandatory 12-day return to action protocol, ruling him out of this weekend’s game.
Ireland are also monitoring the fitness of Rob Baloucoune and Josh van der Flier.
Baloucoune has been suffering from cramp while Van der Flier has an ankle problem, although management is hopeful that both players will be available for selection.
In more positive news, Bundee Aki is expected to resume full training on Tuesday after illness led to his late withdrawal from the squad that beat Argentina.
Leinster Whore Gus McCarthy and Ulster Back-row David McCann has been called up for training with the senior squad this week as Ireland’s injury list continues to grow, although there is no place for Munster’s Gavin Coombes.
The squad to face Fiji will be named at 2pm on Thursday, with the IRFU saying Saturday’s match is expected to be played in front of at least 45,500 and could be a sell-out.
meanwhile, Ireland XV they have also been hit by a number of injury setbacks ahead of the game against Fiji ‘A’ in Cork.
Tom Ahern (neck), Ethan McIlroy (thumb) and Michael Milne (ankle) have been ruled out of the competition at Virgin Media Park on November 20.
Fineen Wycherley, Todd Lawlor and Jeremy Loughman were called up as substitutes.
The Ireland XV will assemble in Cork on Monday 16 November ahead of the ‘A’ encounter in Fiji, part of a doubleheader which also includes Ireland U20 clash against Scotland, which kicks off at 5pm before the senior game is completed later that evening.
