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Ireland injury woes compounded before Six Nations with Leinster update
By Josh Raisey
Fresh from the news that Connacht winger Mack Hansen will miss the Guinness Six Nations with a dislocated shoulder, Leinster have added to Ireland's injury problems on the wing by confirming Jimmy O'Brien will be out for a "number of months" with a neck injury.
The 27-year-old picked up the injury in Leinster's loss to Ulster on New Year's Day, and the United Rugby Championship leaders today confirmed the severity of the injury ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais on Saturday.
James Ryan has also been flagged as an injury concern for Andy Farrell, after he was withdrawn before the contest with Ulster. That does not appear to be as serious though, as Leinster have confirmed that he was withdrawn as a precaution, and will be assessed later this week to see if he can play against the Parisian outfit.
With Keith Earl also having retired at the end of the World Cup, three of Ireland's wingers that went to France in 2023 are now unavailable for the Six Nations.
Farrell is set to name his squad next week for their Six Nations title defence, but he has already been dealt two damaging blows on the wing.
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Latest Comments
Yes. Departure of good coaches for no externally visible reason. Not even a cover story. Could be a major rugby disagreement or a compensation issue. Or maybe it's about an interventionist RFU administration. Whatever the reason it does look like a raised middle finger.
Go to commentsNo. He’s needed back home. Potential future Bok coach once Rassie gets tired and retires. Ackerman is key to sourcing and unlocking future talent. What a score for SA rugby.
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