IRELAND and Andy Farrell have been hit with a number of injury blows ahead of their final 2024 Autumn Nations Series test match.
Tadhg Furlong and Jamie Osborne are ruled out of the clash after last weekend’s comfortable win over Fiji.
2
Wexford star Furlong had missed all of Ireland’s three previous games this month due to a hamstring injury, and will now miss Saturday’s clash vs the Wallabies.
His Leinster team-mate Osbourne will also miss the weekend’s test at Aviva Stadium after a groin injury during the 35-point triumph.
Ryan Baird and Jacob Stockdale have also been ruled out.
Leinster ace Baird is still following the return to play protocols after suffering a concussion during the win against Argentina.
Ulster winger Stockdale suffered a hamstring injury during the 52-17 win over Fiji last Saturday.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash against Joe Schmidt’s side, Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell was disappointed with Osbourne’s injury.
He said: “He’s a big loss. He’s very versatile on the bench obviously.
“He covers so many different positions and is growing and getting better all the time.
“It’s a shame he’s out.
“Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and he’s back to us soon.”
O’Connell also confirmed that Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Nick Timoney (Ulster) and Jack Boyle (Leinster) have been released back to their clubs.
The squad has been trimmed before the United Rugby Championship’s return this weekend.