Four Reasons Ireland’s Tour Of South Africa Just Got A Whole Lot More Interesting

One man’s loss is another man’s gain. In this case, four men to be exact.

Ireland were dealt a blow today which for many is a blessing in disguise. Joe Schmidt has been criticised in recent times for his conservatism but today his hand was forced.

Brothers Rob and Dave Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald and Johnny Sexton have all been officially ruled out of this summer’s tour of South Africa. The good news however is the fact that Connacht duo Tiernan O’Halloran and Matt Healy have finally been given call-ups with Ulster flyer Craig Gilroy also getting the nod.

The news will be music to most Irish peoples ears as they feel this summer should be used as a platform to build on existing talent and bring through some players yet to be proven at international level.

Ulsters duo Paddy Jackson and Gilroy as well as the Connacht pairing of O’Halloran and Healy will now get a much needed taste at International test level. We wish the injured players the very best in their recovery but it’s time they took a much needed break and let the young guns step up.