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Two Munster players miss Ireland training due to Covid self-isolation protocol

(Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Peter O’Mahony and Chris Farell have not been allowed to join the Ireland squad this week at Carton House after the two Munster players were identified as close contacts of a recent Covid case at their province.

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Neither player was involved in Munster’s PRO14 win last Saturday over Edinburgh in Limerick and they are continuing a period of self-isolation.  

A statement from the Ireland camp read: “Peter O’Mahony and Chris Farrell were identified as close contacts, are Covid clear and will complete the period of isolation before joining the squad on Monday.”

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Simon Zebo on his current relationship with Ireland’s Andy Farrell

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Simon Zebo on his current relationship with Ireland’s Andy Farrell

Ireland are building towards the resumption of their delayed Six Nations campaign, starting with the October 24 meeting in Dublin against Italy and finishing with a trip to Paris to take on France on October 31. 

Andy Farrell last week announced a 35-man squad containing six uncapped players. That squad is now down to 34 following the injury loss of Jordan Larmour, who dislocated a shoulder playing for Leinster at Benetton. No replacement has been called in. 

Uncapped Ryan Baird, who strained an adductor muscle in that same Leinster match, has been replaced by Connacht’s Ultan Dillane who played off the bench in Ireland’s last outing, the February hammering at Twickenham by England.    

The IRFU statement added: “Finlay Bealham and Dave Heffernan are progressing through the return to play protocols. Johnny Sexton, Ronan Kelleher and Andrew Porter will be monitored this week with a view to commencing training next week.” Sexton suffered a hamstring issue when playing for Leinster twelve days ago. 

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Ireland coach Farrell is also waiting to learn the fate of Iain Henderson, the Ulster captain who was sent off near the end of his team’s PRO14 win last Saturday at Ospreys after his shoulder connected the head of Dan Evans. A suspension could see James Ryan paired with Tadhg Beirne in the second row to start against the Italians.  

 

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H
Hellhound 13 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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