Ireland issue Jack Conan update and separately call-up front cover

Injured Ireland back-rower Jack Conan is going really well in his recovery from the foot problem which cast doubt on his World Cup participation. The 31-year-old, who was forced off in the first half of his country’s 33-17 win over Italy on August 5, remained in Dublin last week as the rest of Andy Farrell’s squad trained in Portugal.

Conan has reunited with teammates since their return home but did not train on Tuesday, suggesting he is unlikely to be involved in Saturday’s warm-up fixture against England in Dublin.

Head coach Farrell, who has called up Jeremy Loughman as cover for fellow Munster prop Dave Kilcoyne, will give a clearer update on the Leinster player’s condition on Thursday when he names his team for the weekend.

Speaking of Conan, scrum coach John Fogarty said: “He has been going really well – through the week last week. Andy will be up (in front of the media) on Thursday and he will give you some further information. He [Conan] has had a good week – a really, really good week.”

Farrell is scheduled to name his final 33-man squad for France on August 28 following the meeting with Steve Borthwick’s side and a final run out against Samoa in Bayonne.

Kilcoyne’s issue is not thought to be serious, albeit it has opened the door for 28-year-old Loughman, who made his Test debut against Fiji in November. “It is a pleasure to bring in Jeremy,” said Fogarty. “I thought Munster in the last six games (of the season) had done so well and Jeremy was part of that.

“He had a really good session today [Tuesday]. It’s actually brilliant to be able to bring someone like Jeremy in that can add (to us). Dave is just looking after himself for the week, so Jeremy will step in with us.”