Furlong ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations opener

Tadhg Furlong will miss Ireland's Six Nations opener with England after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury.

The Six Nations holders begin their quest for a third successive title when they welcome Steve Borthwick's side to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

However, they will do so without the experienced Furlong, who only returned to the squad after missing all four November internationals with a hamstring problem.

The 32-year-old has left Ireland's training camp in Portugal, and returned to Dublin for further assessment.

Jack Aungier, of Connacht, has been called up as a replacement for Furlong, while Finlay Bealham is likely to start against England in the front row.

Leinster duo Dan Sheehan and James Lowe - both of whom recently returned from injury - linked up Simon Easterby's squad on Sunday, as did their club team-mate Jack Boyle.

An Ireland squad update from Portugal as preparations continue for Saturday's Guinness Men's Six Nations opener against England.#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 26, 2025