Confirmation A Number Of Senior Irish Players Set To Miss November Series

Not long to go.

Joe Schmidt looks set to be without a number of senior players for Ireland’s autumn international series which sees them take on South Africa, Fiji and old foes Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.

Robbie Henshaw tore his pectoral muscle back in July while playing for the British & Irish Lions, ruling him out for 16 weeks, meaning he is unlikely to be match-fit in time, while his centre partner Gary Ringrose is not due back until December after undergoing shoulder surgery.

A further three players are now likely to miss the series, with Ulster and Leinster releasing injury updates today. Rory Best damaged his hamstring in training last week and after undergoing a scan will be out for 4-6 weeks, while Leinster duo Dan Leavy and Rob Kearney are facing similar periods out.

Kearney also damaged his hamstring and also faces anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks out, while Leavy had surgery on a damaged ankle last week and also faces 6-8 weeks out.

Schmidt will also of course be without the services of Ulster duo Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, who have been stood down while they deal with off the pitch matters.