Double-worry for Ireland in key position ahead of November games

11:00, 19 Oct 2026Updated 14:38, 19 Oct 2026

Ireland's Jack Conan sustained a shoulder injury against Clermont Auvergne that will require further assessment.

He is undergoing further tests today which, unless they show a clean bill of health, will make him doubtful for Ireland's November tests.

This comes as a specific mini-crisis surrounding the no8 shirt for Andy Farrell who is due to name his squad for the games with Argentina, Fiji and South Africa early this week.

His captain and regular no8 Caelan Doris is already injured and given Conan has been the back up no8 for sometime, there may have to be a rethink around this back-row area.

Conan played no8 for Leinster at Clermont last week before leaving the field close to end holding his shoulder.

Uncapped Brian Gleeson started no8 for Munster against Racing and was replaced by Gavin Coombes after 55 minutes.

New Zealand-born Sean Jansen, twice capped for Ireland in 2026, started at no8 for Connacht - leaving Cian Prendergast play no6 - against Saracens.

South African-born Juarno Augustus who is ineligible for Ireland played at no8 for Ulster at Zebre

Elsewhere Leinster report Jordan Larmour (calf) will require further assessment as he integrates into training and that Hugh Cooney, who sustained a hand injury in the A game vs Edinburgh will require further assessment.

Andrew Osborne sustained a head injury in the A game versus Edinburgh and will follow the graduated return to play protocol.Harry Byrne (Concussion), Jack Boyle (Achilles), RG Snyman (knee), Caelan Doris (Foot & Knee), Paddy McCarthy (foot) and Diarmuid Mangan remain on the long-term injury list

Choose Irish Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.