Ireland look likely to be without one of their forwards for the visit of Steve Tandy’s Wales next week
Ireland’s Michael Milne, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Edwin Odogbo (Image: PA Wire)
Ireland could be without Cormac Izuchukwu for their upcoming Six Nations clash with Wales after the Ulster forward suffered a concussion in training.
The 26-year-old had recently returned to his province after being released from international camp during the fallow week of the Six Nations.
However, any hopes of him featuring for Ulster Rugby this weekend were ended after he sustained the head injury in a training-ground incident.
In a squad update ahead of their United Rugby Championship meeting with Ospreys, Ulster confirmed: “Cormac Izuchukwu sustained a concussion in training this week and he will now follow World Rugby Graduated Return to Play Protocols.”
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The standard return-to-play process means Izuchukwu is now a major doubt for Ireland’s Six Nations home fixture against Wales in eight days’ time. Most players are not permitted to return to playing for at least 12 days.
The versatile forward, who stands at 6ft 7in and can operate in the second row or back row, featured in Ireland’s round-two victory over Italy, playing 58 minutes at blindside flanker.
He was not included in the squad that travelled to Twickenham for the subsequent win over England.
Izuchukwu has emerged as one of Ireland’s most promising young forwards since making his senior debut for Ulster in 2021, although his Test career has been disrupted by injuries at key moments.
Ireland will now await further medical updates as they prepare for a pivotal stage of their Six Nations campaign, with Wales next up on the horizon.
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The news comes after it was confirmed that Ireland wing James Lowe will miss the remainder of the Six Nations with a groin injury sustained during last weekend’s win over England.
The 33-year-old limped off to be replaced by Leinster team-mate Tommy O’Brien in the 18th minute of the 42-21 success at Twickenham.
Ireland host Wales in round four of the championship on Friday, March 6 before Scotland visit Dublin eight days later on the final weekend.