Ireland statement: Positive injury update for Farrell's squad

Andy Farrell has had a fitness boost ahead of this November’s Autumn Nations Series, as Ireland have reported that the recent injury anxiety over Tadhg Furlong and Peter O’Mahony should be alleviated later this week. A similarly upbeat update was also issued regarding Joey Carbery following the knock he sustained in last Saturday’s URC derby for Munster against Leinster.

An IRFU statement on Tuesday that updated the 37-strong squad named by Farrell last week read: “The Ireland squad assembled in Carton House on Monday evening and commenced preparations for the upcoming Bank of Ireland Nations Series on Tuesday morning at the IRFU’s high-performance centre in Dublin.

“The Ulster contingent of Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Rob Herring, Michael Lowry, Stuart McCloskey, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Kieran Treadwell returned from South Africa last night. They will be managed over the coming days following the recent gastro issues experienced by the Ulster squad.

“Joey Carbery (shoulder) will train fully this week while Ciaran Frawley (shoulder) will be managed across the week. The following players will be reintegrated into training this week - Tadhg Beirne (adductor), Jamison Gibson-Park (hamstring), Hugo Keenan (abdomen), Jacob Stockdale (ankle) and Calvin Nash (dead leg).

“Both Tadhg Furlong (ankle) and Peter O’Mahony (neck) will complete their rehab programmes and train later this week. Craig Casey (groin) and Josh van der Flier (ankle) will continue their rehab this week.

“Players named in the Ireland A panel for the game against the All Blacks XV at the RDS on Friday, November 4, will remain with their provinces this week to play in round seven of the URC.”

Farrell’s Ireland open their Test series on November 5 against the Springboks, with matches against Fiji and Australia also planned on November 12 and November 19 respectively.