Connacht fullback Tiernan O’Halloran has announced his retirement at the end of the season after 15 years of professional rugby.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has quickly discovered that the list of potential heirs to the throne is not as rich as it once appeared.
Ex-Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts earned kudos a few weeks ago by giving his flat in Cardiff up to the health service... now ex-Ireland back row O'Brien has done likewise in Dublin.
The current coronavirus pandemic has decimated rugby and other sports competitions across the world, leaving many suspended, postponed or even cancelled.
Connacht finally secured an away derby win at Ulster, taking advantage of Matthew Rea's dismissal early in the second half.
A draw against Worcester Warriors was enough for Connacht to book their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Edinburgh played 74 minutes with 14 men at Murrayfield, but were still able to defy the odds and beat Glasgow Warriors.
Ireland thrashed Japan 50-22 in the series opener and Joe Schmidt has made six changes for this weekend's meeting.
Ireland kicked off their tour in style thanks to Keith Earls' first-half double at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.
