Ireland without one of their most crucial players for Six Nations opener

"Connacht’s Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad."

The Leinster man missed last year's Autumn Nations Series and only returned to the field earlier this month against La Rochelle.

A recurring calf injury is once again the cause of the disruption, with Jack Aungier called up to the squad - who are preparing for their Six Nations defence in Quinta do Lago - as a replacement. The 26-year-old Connacht man is uncapped.

A statement on the Irish Rugby website reads: "Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of the opening week’s game after suffering a recurrence of a calf strain in training on Saturday and he has returned to Dublin for further assessment. An update will be available later in the week.

"Connacht’s Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad.

"Leinster trio Jack Boyle, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan linked up with the Ireland squad on Sunday morning, while Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade will also arrive on Monday.

"Meanwhile, Munster coach Mike Prendergast has also linked up with the Ireland squad this week ahead of assuming the position of Head Coach of the Ireland ‘A’ squad to face England in Bristol next month."