Ireland are monitoring the fitness of tighthead prop Finlay Bealham and wing Mack Hansen ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The pair were treated for leg injuries sustained during last Saturday’s 27-22 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, and the Irish are hopeful that they will be able to recuperate for the weekend.
However, Ireland has added uncapped players Thomas Ahern and Shayne Bolton, a Munster second-row or blindside flanker and a Connacht wing, to the team.
Duo being tracked
“Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen will be monitored in the coming days after receiving treatment for leg injuries sustained during Saturday’s win over England, and it is hoped that both players will be available,” said Irish Rugby on Monday as the reigning Six Nations champions prepare for a difficult trip to Murrayfield.
However, there was good news for tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong (calf) and second-row Joe McCarthy (concussion), who missed the England game at the Aviva Stadium, as both men have increased their rehabilitation programmes and a decision on their availability for the Scotland game will be made later this week.
If Bealham and Furlong are ruled out of this weekend’s away game, it appears like teenager Thomas Clarkson will start as tighthead prop, with Jack Boyle on the bench.
Meanwhile, if wing Hansen is ruled out, Munster wing Calvin Nash will most likely fill jersey 14, though Jimmy O’Brien is also an option.
After facing Scotland, the Six Nations takes a week off before Ireland returns to play on Saturday, February 22 against Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Ireland ‘A’ additions
In other news from Monday’s statement, Sean O’Brien and Mark Sexton have joined the Ireland ‘A’ coaching team this week ahead of the meeting with England later this month.
The game is set to take place at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Sunday, February 23, with O’Brien and Sexton linking up with Mike Prendergast’s coaching team for the match.
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