It’s an incredibly tough double-whammy for Andy Farrell who is keen to lower the first team’s age profile
Ireland vs South Africa – Ryan Baird leaves the field through injury(Image: ©INPHO/Gary Carr)
Ryan Baird and Jamie Osborne, two of the brightest ‘young guns’ from the November Series, will miss the 2026 Six Nations.
It’s an incredibly tough double-whammy for Andy Farrell who is keen to lower the first team’s age profile. Baird is 26, Osborne is 22.
The second-row picked up a leg injury in last Saturday’s game against South Africa and will be unavailable for up to three months while Osborne will be out for up to four months after picking up a shoulder injury against Japan.
Elsewhere, breakthrough winger Tommy O’Brien has entered the Graduated Return to Play Protocols and will be unavailable for Leinster selection this weekend.
While Joe McCarthy’s return is likely put back a further week although he has entered the final stages of rehab from a foot injury. The second-row did join the Six Nations squad last week but did not train.
Robbie Henshaw’s hamstring, damaged against Australia, has not responded as hoped and he is also on the injured list.
Moreover and ahead of this week’s URC games, Leinster have ruled out Will Connors and James Culhane which, with Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier down to be rested and Baird ruled out, leaves them tight for back-rows.
“Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the game,” said Leo Cullen ahead of Friday’s game at Dragons. “It’s tough for guys that have come back injured.
“Injuries are just part of the rocky road of this wonderful profession of ours, and yes, that’s common following high-octane international games and this is off the back of four pretty physical games, not just one day.
“It’s just trying to manage that crew that have been away, like some guys are back in today, other guys have been a few days off this week and we will just sort of assess everybody as the week goes on and everyone will be back in the building then next Monday.”