IRELAND will be without captain Dan Sheehan for their Nations Championship clash against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians on Sunday after the hooker suffered a concussion.
The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed yesterday that Sheehan would undergo a mandatory 12-day return-to-play protocol after being forced off before halftime in Ireland’s 42-12 victory over Argentina in Dublin last Sunday.
His absence is a major setback for Ireland ahead of the encounter against Fiji, while his availability for their November 21 clash against South Africa is also in doubt.
Ireland have also lost Sean Jansen for the remainder of their November campaign after the backrower suffered a knee injury against Argentina.
Meanwhile, winger Rob Baloucoune and flanker Josh van der Flier are being monitored after picking up cramp and an ankle injury respectively.
Centre Bundee Aki, who withdrew from the substitutes’ bench against Argentina because of illness, is expected to resume full training tomorrow.
To strengthen their squad, Ireland have called up Ulster backrow David McCann and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy as injury cover.
The developments provide Fiji with an opportunity to test Ireland’s depth as both teams prepare for Sunday’s international encounter.
