Autumn Nations Series | Ringrose out for up to six weeks with broken jaw

by Will Jennings

Ireland are ‘gutted’ after it was confirmed Garry Ringrose will miss the duration of the Autumn Nations Cup due to a broken jaw.

The centre collided with Edoardo Padovani’s knee during Ireland’s 50-17 Guinness Six Nations triumph over Italy and will miss four to six weeks of action.

The 25-year-old was attempting to block the Italy winger’s kick in the first half and was replaced by Robbie Henshaw after the incident.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell, who is ramping up preparations for their Autumn Nations Cup group against England, Wales and Georgia, admits losing Ringrose’s leadership is a major blow for his team.

#TeamOfUs

Wishing @Ringrose_G a speedy recovery after it was confirmed the Ireland centre will miss the remainder of the Autumn international schedule with a facial injury.

We hope to see you back out in green soon, Garry! 👊 💚#ShoulderToShoulder #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/Zc3SremaWj

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 26, 2020

“We’re gutted for him, he’s contributed so much over the last 10 days,” he said.

“He’s been fantastic in his leadership and he was a big part of the reason why we got what we wanted out of today.”

Ringrose has made 29 appearances for Ireland since his debut in 2016 and was a part of their 2018 Grand Slam-winning squad.

Henshaw now looks likely to partner Bundee Aki in the Ireland centres in Paris, with Chris Farrell – who has not featured for Ireland since the World Cup – another midfield contender.

Ireland also revealed further updates to their squad, with Ulster scrum-half John Cooney being called up to provide additional cover for Jamison Gibson-Park.

It's the final week of the 2020 @SixNationsRugby and here is the latest update from @IrishRugby squadhttps://t.co/rOGt5oIRy6 #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 26, 2020

Leinster’s Gibson-Park, who made his debut in the win against Italy, suffered from hamstring tightness after the match so Cooney – a surprise omission from Farrell’s original squad – will join the ranks at Carton House.

And there was also news on experienced wing Keith Earls, who is finishing his rehabilitation programme and will receive an update on his progress and availability over the coming days.

Earls has donned the Ireland jersey 84 times since his debut in 2008 and is bidding to add to the Championship – and Grand Slam – triumph he played a part in in 2018.