Ireland centre Garry Ringrose is set to miss the Nations Championship fixtures next month with a hamstring injury, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said on Tuesday. The IRFU described it as "unlikely" that the 31-year-old will be involved in the home matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa. Ringrose has remained with Leinster to continue his rehabilitation. He has scored 15 tries in 76 caps and missed last weekend's United Rugby Championship win over rivals Munster at Aviva Stadium.
Fly-half Sam Prendergast also remains a doubt for next week's opener with the Pumas in Dublin because of a wrist injury. The 23-year-old is continuing his recovery with the Ireland squad after missing the Munster game. Leinster winger Jimmy O'Brien, 29, is following return-to-play protocols after sustaining a concussion against Munster. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has decided against calling up any replacements, despite uncertainty over Tadhg Furlong's availability. The Leinster prop, 33, will appear before a disciplinary committee after being cited for an alleged groin grab against Munster.
Ireland beat Australia and Japan before losing to New Zealand in the southern hemisphere leg of the Nations Championship in July. Farrell's side face Argentina on 6 November, then host Fiji and back-to-back world champions South Africa on 14 and 21 November respectively, before a finals weekend fixture at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 28 and 29 November.
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi also faces injury problems. Experienced Lyon prop Thomas Gallo has withdrawn from the squad with a wrist injury sustained against Bayonne last weekend, while utility back Santiago Carreras limped off during Bath's Prem defeat by Gloucester on Friday. Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said Carreras must undergo a scan, adding, "I'd be amazed if that's not really bad news, which is gutting for him."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing