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Sexton and Henshaw ruled out for Ireland's trip to Twickenham

By Ciarán Kennedy
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Ireland will be without captain Johnny Sexton and centre Robbie Henshaw for Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup game against England at Twickenham with the Leinster duo both ruled out through injury. Sexton limped off during the first half of Friday's 32-9 win while Henshaw sustained an adductor strain during the same game.

The IRFU have now confirmed that Sexton won't be available following a scan on a hamstring strain, with Henshaw also ruled out.

Sexton's replacement Billy Burns was also forced off against Wales for a head injury assessment, with scrum-half Conor Murray stepping into out-half to see out the game for Andy Farrell's side.

Burns is following the return to play protocols but is expected to be available for the trip to Twickenham, with the Ulster out-half due to take part in media duties later today.

Farrell will also have Iain Henderson available for selection, with the second-row returning to training after missing last week's Aviva Stadium clash due to an unspecified medical issue.

The news is less positive on Jacob Stockdale. The Ulster back was a late withdrawal from the team to play Wales after picking up a calf problem, and the IRFU have stated that he will continue to rehab the issue with a view to resuming training later in the week.