Ireland's Tadhg Furlong ruled out of Six Nations opener

Ireland’s Six Nations title defence has been dealt a significant blow with the news that Tadhg Furlong, their talismanic tighthead prop, has been ruled out of their opening clash against England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The 32-year-old has suffered a recurrence of a calf injury sustained during training in Portugal and will miss Saturday’s game.

Furlong, who recently returned to action for Leinster after missing Ireland’s entire autumn campaign, has flown back to Dublin for further assessment.

His absence opens the door for Finlay Bealham to take the starting No. 3 jersey, with uncapped Connacht prop Jack Aungier called into the squad as cover.

The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed the development, stating: "Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of next weekend's Guinness Men's Six Nations opener against England after suffering a recurrence of a calf strain in training and he has returned to Dublin for further assessment. Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad."

While Furlong’s absence is a major setback, Ireland received positive updates on two other key players. Dan Sheehan, who recently returned from an ACL injury, was named man of the match and scored twice for Leinster over the weekend.

Additionally, winger James Lowe came through the same match unscathed. Both players have joined the Irish squad in Portugal ahead of the opener.

Ireland, the reigning Six Nations champions, will be eager to avenge their 23-22 loss to England in last year’s championship, a match decided by a last-minute Marcus Smith drop goal at Twickenham.