Ireland Squad Update: Sexton could still feature in test two

The Ireland squad will continue to train in North Harbour Stadium, Auckland this week before heading to Dunedin on Wednesday ahead of the second Test against New Zealand at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Leinster prop Ed Byrne arrived in New Zealand on Saturday while Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey arrived on Monday with James Hume returning home.

Both hooker Rob Herring and flyhalf Harry Byrne are expected to take a full part in training this week after picking up knocks in New Zealand.

Front rowers Jeremy Loughman and Dave Heffernan are confirmed criteria one concussions so will follow the 12-day return to play protocols. Therefore they will both miss the second test.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will complete the HIA process today (Monday), and could feature in the second test. Andy Farrell confirmed that Sexton passed two of his HIA tests on Saturday despite the flyhalf not returning to the pitch on Saturday. 

There is further good news for Ireland with Mack Hansen returning to training after he completed his period of isolation. Finlay Bealham will also be available to train later this week once his period of isolation is complete, the prop was a late withdrawal for the first test match.