Ireland Injury News As Trio Ruled Out Of Six Nations Clash With Wales

Here’s the latest Ireland injury news as three key players are ruled out of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

Ireland skipper Caelan Doris has been ruled out of this weekend’s third-round fixture, along with front rowers Tadhg Furlong and Ronan Kelleher.

Leinster’s Doris has suffered an injury to his knee, with Kelleher picking up a neck problem.

Star tighthead prop Furlong has already missed Ireland’s opening two victories against England and Scotland.

The IRFU said on Sunday that he was making ‘good progress’ as he recovers from a recurring calf problem, but he has been ruled out once again.

Following Saturday’s Triple Crown decider against in a probable title decider on 8 March.

Then, the boys in green finish their campaign away to Italy on Super Saturday a week later.

With Ireland hoping to be the first side in Six Nations history to win three championships in a row, they’ll need their star man back fit quickly.

Attack coach Andrew Goodman was positive in his assessment and expects the trio to be back before long.

He told BBC Sport: “We’re hoping they’ll be available for ; they’re just going through their processes they do with the physios, but they’re all making good progress.

Ireland Injury News Sees Six More Players Called Up

As well as missing three likely starters, Ireland are also without Ulster duo Iain Henderson and Cormac Izuchukwu.

They have therefore called up six players to replace those injured for the weekend.

Munster’s Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett have been added to the squad, along with Leinster’s Diarmuid Mangen.

Three Ulster players have ed up with the national side, with Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney called up.

Discussing the new additions, Goodman added: “There are some guys who have been playing well for their provinces in those positions that are ready for an opportunity, so it’s exciting for them.”

Who Will Be Ireland Captain Against Wales?

The captaincy is one area that still needs sorting ahead of the weekend.

With Doris injured, there are a few options to fill in for the missing skipper.

“There’s some good leaders in the squad,” added Goodman.

“The leadership group’s been growing well over the past couple of years and there’s a number of players who have captained their provinces, so we have some good options there.

“You’ve got guys like Peter O’Mahony and Jack Conan who have captained their provinces, Dan Sheehan, Ringer [Garry Ringrose], JR [James Ryan], Cian Prendergast – there’s a number of players with leadership experience.”