Rugby

Injury forces Ireland centre Garry Ringrose out of Wales and England clashes

Ireland's Garry Ringrose with Adam Hastings of Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday February 1, 2020. Picture by Donall Farmer/PA Wire. 
Ireland's Garry Ringrose with Adam Hastings of Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday February 1, 2020. Picture by Donall Farmer/PA Wire.  Ireland's Garry Ringrose with Adam Hastings of Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday February 1, 2020. Picture by Donall Farmer/PA Wire. 

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose will miss the Guinness Six Nations matches against Wales and England after undergoing a "procedure" on a hand injury.

Ringrose sustained the problem during Saturday's 19-12 win over Scotland and was replaced at half-time.

According to the Irish Rugby Football Union, the 25-year-old will "stay connected" with Andy Farrell's squad and should be fit to face Italy in Dublin on March 7.

"Garry Ringrose has had a procedure on a hand injury and is due to be available for selection ahead of round four of the championship," read an IRFU statement.

"Garry will stay connected with the squad as a member of the leadership group."

Ireland host reigning Grand Slam champions Wales on Saturday, before travelling to Twickenham to play Eddie Jones' England on February 23.

Ringrose was replaced by Robbie Henshaw during the opening-weekend victory over the Scots, with Munster's Chris Farrell and Ulster pair Stuart McCloskey and Will Addison other options to take his place.

Meanwhile, forwards Caelan Doris and Dave Kilcoyne are undergoing return-to-play protocols after suffering head injuries against Gregor Townsend's men.

Doris' international debut at number eight lasted less than five minutes, before Kilcoyne was forced off in the closing stages having earlier come on as a replacement for prop Cian Healy.

Prop Tadgh Furlong is being monitored ahead of the Wales match after reporting tightness in a calf muscle, while Leinster back-row Will Connors, who had previously been included as a development player, has been added to head coach Farrell's main squad.