Ireland Trio Out Of Autumn Series, Three More Could Follow
Ireland Trio Out Of Autumn Series, Three More Could Follow
Three Ireland internationals have been ruled out of plans for the Autumn Nations Series in November, with potential for three more players to follow suit.
Three Ireland internationals have been ruled out of Andy Farrell's plans for the Autumn Nations Series this November, after a brutal medical update from Leinster, with a potential for three more players to follow suit.
Leo Cullen's side has confirmed a number of new injury concerns, as they head into their URC derby clash with old enemy Munster.
A missive from the Irish province reveals fresh injuries to Ireland internationals Will Connors, Ronan Kelleher and Harry Byrne that will rule them out of the Autumn Nations Series entirely.
While Leinster confirmed that Ciaran Frawley and Caelan Doris came through last weekend's win over Connacht unscathed and that fullback Hugo Keenan also was battling his way back to fitness, there was less than promising news elsewhere.
"Unfortunately, there was less positive news on a number of other players," read the statement. "Will Connors had a procedure last week for a bicep injury suffered against the Cell C Sharks and will be unavailable for up to 12 weeks. Ronan Kelleher and Harry Byrne both suffered hamstring injuries and will be unavailable for up to eight weeks."
Making matters worse are the growing fears around James Ryan, British & Irish Lions No.8 Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier. Of those three, the biggest concern will be for Ryan, who suffered a nasty-looking knee injury.
"Jack Conan (eye), James Ryan (knee) and Josh van der Flier (ankle) require further assessment this week. There were no further updates on: James Lowe (calf), James Tracy (neck), Charlie Ryan (knee) and Tommy O'Brien (knee)."
Back with our home fans this Autumn! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/rfikgPHHwT
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 18, 2022
Ireland will take on world champion South Africa this November, as the Springboks play in Dublin for the first time in five years. The two sides have not met since Ireland posted a record 38-3 victory against South Africa in 2017.
The men in green will then face Fiji in the second match of the Autumn Nations Series on Nov. 12, before going head to head with the Wallabies a week later.