Ireland squad update: 14 players released to provinces, Kelleher in doubt

Ireland departed from France with more than a beating on the scoreboard as it appears that hooker Ronan Kelleher is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury against Les Bleus. 

The 24 year-old Kelleher will undergo further assessment this week as the full extent of the injury is ascertained, but he could be ruled out of action for several weeks. 

Ireland’s next assignment sees them take on Italy in Dublin and Kelleher (as well as captain Johnny Sexton) has been named in a squad of 23 for a two-day camp this week. 

On a positive note, the return of James Lowe is imminent after the latter was kept out of the opening two rounds of the Six Nations with a hamstring strain. 

Head coach Andy Farrell has released 14 players back to their provinces for this weekend: 

Jack Carty and Dave Heffernan will be available for Connacht; Ryan Baird, Cian Healy, Jordan Larmour for Leinster; Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Dave Kilcoyne for Munster; Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney, Kieran Treadwell for Ulster.