Reinforcements.

Ireland have called up a replacement for Munster’s Tom Ahern for their training camp in Portugal this week as preparations continue for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast, who has three caps for Ireland, will replace Ahern as he continues his rehabilitation at Munster.

Ahern was on the receiving end of a knee to the head by Northampton’s Curtis Langdon in Saturday’s Champions Cup pool match at Thomond Park, with the Northampton man red-carded as a result of the incident.

The 23-year-old forward spent Saturday night in hospital but has since been discharged and returned home.

“Tom Ahern has returned home after spending the night under observation in hospital after sustaining a head injury against Northampton last night,” Munster said in a statement on Sunday.

“Get well soon, Tom”