Ireland lose Loughman for Japan clash, wait on Baloucoune fitness

Ireland will be ‌without prop Jeremy Loughman due to concussion ‌and are waiting for news on the ​fitness of wing Rob Baloucoune ahead of their second Nations Championship clash ​against Japan in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday.

Substitute ⁠Loughman had been on the ‌field ‌for ​only eight minutes when he was injured in ⁠the epic ​33-31 win over ​Australia that opened Ireland’s campaign ‌in Sydney at the ​weekend, and must undergo standard ⁠return-to-play protocols.

Baloucoune was ⁠forced ​to sit out that game with a hamstring injury and a decision on his involvement against Japan would be made later in ‌the week, officials ⁠confirmed on Monday. Japan defeated Italy 27-10 in Tokyo ‌in their first fixture.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell ​will name his side ​on Thursday.