Sheehan heads home as Ireland count injury toll

JOHANNESBURG : Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has suffered a serious knee injury and is heading home from the tour of South Africa while scrumhalf Craig Casey is unlikely to play in Saturday’s second test in Durban, Irish media reported on Monday.

Sheehan, 25, suffered a suspected ACL tear during Saturday’s first test in Pretoria, which South Africa won 27-20, and faces a lengthy layoff that will rule him out of autumn tests against Australia and New Zealand in Dublin.

Casey was carried off with concussion in the second half after a lengthy stoppage to the game while he received treatment on the pitch.

Centre Robbie Henshaw went off at halftime with suspected concussion and prop Andrew Porter sustained cut to his hand. Centre Bundee Aki (shoulder) and James Lowe (thigh) are also doubtful for the second test as is fullback Jamie Osborne who had a groin issue.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell will name his team on Thursday.