Double injury blow for Ireland ahead of England test

Ireland will be without captain Jonathan Sexton and centre Robbie Henshaw for their Autumn Nations Cup clash with England this weekend, Ireland confirmed on Monday.

Ireland face England at Twickenham on Saturday after both teams claimed comprehensive wins over Wales and Georgia respectively in the opening round of the competition.

However, Ireland's win over Wales has come at a cost with flyhalf and captain Johnny Sexton ruled out of the second match of the competition after scans revealed that he will have to sit out the test against England due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the first half that ended his game. 

Robbie Henshaw joins his captain on the sideline after he picked up an abductor strain against Wales. 

Andy Farrell's selection headaches don't stop there with Sexton's replacement, Billy Burns, also failed to finish the match against Wales due to a head knock. Burns will follow the return to play protocols this week with Ross Byrne likely to start at standoff against England.

There is also an update on fullback Jacob Stockdale, who was a late withdrawal from the match against Wales, with the fullback set to continue his calf rehab in camp with a view to training later in the week and possibly be fit for Saturday. 

Meanwhile, lock Iain Henderson will return to training today with Shane Daly back in training fully this week.