Ireland rule out two players for France game but Carbery ‘progressing well’

We were expecting the wider Ireland squad to be confirmed today. That has now been pushed back 24 hours.

Bad news for two Ireland stars but some positive updates on Andrew Conway and Joey Carbery. The squad for the fourth round of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations was set announced this afternoon. However, minutes before the press briefing at Ireland's headquarters at Carton House, that squad announcement was pushed back. Ireland will not now release their squad until Wednesday, four days out from the game against France and just 48 hours before Joe Schmidt names his matchday 23. The reason is due to a number of senior stars carrying knocks, with Robbie Henshaw and Dan Leavy both set to miss the vital game against Les Bleus. An IRFU press release reads:

'Robbie Henshaw is improving more slowly than hoped and he will continue his rehab this week. Joey Carbery is progressing well through his hamstring rehab and will be managed across the early part of the week. 'Andrew Conway has fully recovered from cramp suffered post the Italy game. Dan Leavy will continue to increase his running volume outside of team training in the early part of this week. All players in action for their provinces over the weekend in the Guinness PRO14 have reported no issues upon returning to national camp.'

That round four squad will now be confirmed, most likely by email, in the morning. Ireland currently lie third in the table, one point back from England and a further three behind in-form Wales. The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday and will be live on Virgin Media One. CHECK OUT OUR IRELAND vs. FRANCE PREVIEW HERE: