Beirne biggest concern for Irish trip to Italy

Ireland look certain to be without Tadhh Beirne for the Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy in two weeks' time, while a number of other players are on the treatment table.

Following Saturday’s blistering 32-19 win over France in Dublin, the Irish management released a medical update this afternoon.

"Tadhg Beirne will see a specialist today to determine the treatment plan for the leg injury that saw him leave the game early on Saturday," they said.

"Rob Herring will proceed through the Return to Play protocols, while captain Johnny Sexton’s groin will be managed this week.

"Dan Sheehan will continue his hamstring rehab under the supervision of the Ireland medical team."

Lock Beirne left the field at the start of the second half and was seen later wearing a protective boot on his left leg.

"Not looking too great at this moment in time," said head coach Andy Farrell in the post-match press conference.

"Cian Healy (hamstring), Tadhg Furlong (calf), Robbie Henshaw (wrist) and Jamison Gibson Park (hamstring) [who all missed the opening two games] will continue their respective rehab programmes," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Six Nations has confirmed that France prop Uini Atonio has been cited for his tackle on Herring, which was only deemed worthy of a yellow card by referee Wayne Barnes on the day.

Ireland will host a 25-man mini camp this week, along with Richie Murophy's U20 squad, with those not involved being released back to their provinces for URC duty.

Ireland Squad Mini-Camp 16-17 February, 2023 Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 43 caps Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 29 caps Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 16 caps Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 9 caps Jack Conan (Leinster/Old