England’s hopes of causing a huge Six Nations upset against the defending champions have been given a boost after Tadhg Furlong left Ireland’s Portugal training camp.
Steve Borthwick’s side are preparing for their Dublin opener on Saturday with a training camp in Girona, not far from where their weekend opposition are based.
On Sunday night, it emerged powerhouse Ireland and Lions prop Furlong had returned home from the Algarve, meaning he is now unlikely to play at the Aviva Stadium.
While the reason for Furlong flying back is yet to be confirmed, his expected absence is a significant blow to Ireland given his importance to Andy Farrell’s side.
The 32-year-old, who has 78 caps for his country and has featured on two Lions tours, is a certain Ireland pick when available and a cornerstone of their scrum.
Furlong has suffered with injury this season. The tighthead missed Ireland’s November campaign with a hamstring problem.
Prop Tadhg Furlong missed Ireland’s November campaign with a hamstring problem
The 32-year-old (left) was a key part of the Ireland team which won last year’s Six Nations
Ireland coach Andy Farrell will be desperate to have Furlong available for the England clash
He returned to feature for Leinster against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup, but then sat out his province’s European win over Bath.
Furlong’s leaving of Ireland’s Portugal training camp means he won’t be a part of his team’s preparations for England, meaning it is close to certain he will miss the game.
Ireland’s pack for round one will be undoubtedly weaker as a result, although Finlay Bealham – who is the man who would step in for Furlong in the green No 3 shirt – is far from an international novice.
