Ireland suffer triple blow as Boks loom

INJURY UPDATE: Three Ireland internationals have been ruled out in Andy Farrell’s plans for the Nations Series this November.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen’s side have confirmed a number of new injuries concerns as they head into their United Rugby Championship derby clash with old enemies Munster.

The Irish province revealed that Ireland internationals Will Connors, Ronan Kelleher and Harry Byrne had been ruled of the Nations Series entirely.

Meanwhile, Ciarán Frawley and Caelan Doris came through last weekend’s win over Connacht unscathed and fullback Hugo Keenan was also 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 Sharks and will be unavailable for up to 12 weeks.

“While Rónan 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 concerns 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].”

Ireland will take on World Champions South Africa this November.

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  Nations Series on Saturday, November 12 before going head-to-head with the Wallabies a week later.