Ireland duo Ryan Baird and Jamie Osborne set to miss start of 2026 Six Nations

Ireland pair Ryan Baird and Jamie Osborne are set to miss the start of the 2026 Six Nations through injury.

Forward Baird has been ruled out for up to three months with a leg issue sustained during Saturday’s 24-13 loss to South Africa.

Leinster team-mate Osborne will be sidelined for up to four months after injuring a shoulder in his country’s 41-10 victory over Japan on November 8.

Ireland begin the Six Nations on Thursday, February 5 with a trip to holders France.

Speaking after the loss to the Springboks, Ireland boss Andy Farrell said Baird suffered a suspected fractured tibia.

The 26-year-old initially attempted to play through the pain before being replaced by Jack Conan with 20 minutes remaining.

Following the retirement of former Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony, Baird has started his country’s last six Test matches at blindside flanker, having won 20 of his previous 27 caps as a replacement.

An update from Leinster on Monday afternoon read: “Ryan Baird is unavailable for selection after picking up a leg injury in the game against South Africa at the weekend and will be unavailable for up to three months.

“Jamie Osborne will be unavailable for up to four months.”

Ireland wing Tommy O’Brien, who sustained a head injury against South Africa, and centre Robbie Henshaw (hamstring) will also miss Leinster’s United Rugby Championship fixture away to Dragons on Friday.

Lock Joe McCarthy has “entered the final stages of his rehabilitation” after breaking a foot bone and will undergo further assessment.

Ireland are also awaiting a fitness update on Mack Hansen.

The Connacht back, 27, has suffered a recurrence of the foot issue which caused him to miss the defeat to New Zealand and victory over Japan earlier this month.

Hea