July internationals: Boost for Ireland as four players return to training

David Skippers 04 Jul 2022 7:10 AM

Ireland have received a boost with the news that Rob Herring, Harry Byrne, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham will return to training ahead of Saturday’s Test against New Zealand in Dunedin.

The men from the Emerald Isle’s tour of New Zealand has seen several players suffering injuries although their captain, Johnny Sexton, is expected to be declared fit for the second Test against the All Blacks as he undergoes a third HIA on Monday.

Sexton was forced off the field late in the second half of the opening Test at Eden Park after sustaining a head knock. Front-row duo Jeremy Loughman (prop) and Dave Heffernan (hooker) are currently on 12-day return to play protocols due to concussion.

Stuart McCloskey flies in

Meanwhile, hooker Herring and fly-half Byrne make their return after injuries while Hansen (wing) is back after completing his Covid-19 isolation stint and Bealham (prop), who also suffered from the virus and withdrew from Ireland‘s squad shortly before Saturday’s first Test in Auckland, will do so later in the week.

In other news, Stuart McCloskey arrives in New Zealand on Monday. He is the second player to fly in after Ed Byrne arrived on Saturday following James Hume’s tour-ending groin injury which he sustained in the first match against the Maori All Blacks in Hamilton last Wednesday.

Internationals