Ireland: Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong ruled out of crucial Six Nations clash against France

Colin Newboult
Ireland will be without two important players for their Six Nations encounter against France after Jamison Gibson-Park, and Tadhg Furlong were ruled out.

Ireland will be without two important players for their Six Nations encounter against France after Jamison Gibson-Park, and Tadhg Furlong were ruled out.

Gibson-Park was a late withdrawal for the game against Wales due to a hamstring injury, while Furlong has been struggling with a calf issue.

Conor Murray and Finlay Bealham both impressed in their absence as the Irish opened the Six Nations with a dominant 34-10 triumph over Wales.

A third injury disruption

Cian Healy, who, like Gibson-Park pulled out late on at the weekend, will also be absent for this weekend’s match.

“Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy, who were both late withdrawals from the Wales game due to hamstring injuries, have been ruled out of contention for the France game,” said an Ireland Rugby Football Union statement.

“Tadhg Furlong, who is rehabbing a calf issue, is also not being considered for selection this week.

“Gibson-Park, Healy and Furlong will continue their rehab programmes with the Ireland medical team.”

Caolin Blade and the uncapped Leinster prop Michael Milne have been added to the squad as replacements.

The absence of Gibson-Park and Furlong will be keenly felt as Ireland prepare to take on the defending champions, France, at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Despite Les Bleus’ struggles against Italy, which ended in a tense 29-24 triumph over the Azzurri in Rome, Fabien Galthie’s men are on a 14-game winning run.

Other concerns

Ireland are missing Robbie Henshaw for the start of this Six Nations, while Johnny Sexton suffered a dead leg in Cardiff and is also undergoing HIA protocols.

In better news, hooker Ronan Kelleher, who missed the clash on Saturday, is set to resume training this week and will be available for the contest with the French.

A victory over Galthie’s charges would open the path for a Grand Slam, with matches against Italy, Scotland and England completing Ireland’s schedule.

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