Ireland hit by Tadhg Furlong injury setback on eve of Six Nations as replacement flown in

Ireland have been dealt a major setback ahead of the opening Six Nations fixture of their title defence after tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong was ruled out due to injury.

The squad is continuing their preparations in Portugal ahead of next Saturday’s huge showdown against the English at Aviva Stadium, with the game kicking off at 4:45pm.

However, they will be without the services of veteran tighthead prop Furlong for the home meeting after he suffered a recurrence of a calf strain in training on Saturday.

Returns to Dublin

The experienced Furlong has returned to Dublin for further assessment with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) saying an update on the prop will be available next week.

Connacht’s Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad as he gets the nod ahead of Munster front-rower Oli Jager, who started against the Dragons in the URC on Saturday.

Aungier will no doubt be delighted with the news and was in action for Connacht today in the narrow defeat to Glasgow Warriors, playing 55 minutes before being replaced.

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In other news, Leinster trio Jack Boyle, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan linked up with the Ireland squad on Sunday morning after the victory against the Stormers in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade will arrive in the Ireland camp on Monday after playing alongside club-mate Aungier in their 22-19 defeat at Scotstoun Stadium.

Blade will be competing with Jamison Gibson-Park and Conor Murray for a spot in the matchday 23, with Craig Casey currently out of action due to a serious knee injury.

For Aungier he joins Finlay Bealham, Thomas Clarkson and Tom O’Toole as tighthead prop options, although the latter is suspended for their first two Six Nations matches.

Six Nations defence

After hosting England in their Championship opener, Ireland tackle Scotland (away), Wales (away), France (home) and finally Italy (away) as they look to retain the title.

The IRFU statement on Sunday concluded with confirmation that Munster coach Mike Prendergast has also linked up with the Ireland squad this week ahead of assuming the position of head coach of the Ireland ‘A’ side that will face England in Bristol next month.

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