Double injury blow for Ireland U20s as McPhillips ruled out for 2 months

Gavin Mullin is also out of the last two games while Cillian Gallagher remains a doubt.

JOHNNY MCPHILLIPS WILL miss the rest of the U20 Six Nations after returning to Ulster for rehab on a groin injury which could keep him out for up to eight weeks.

The out-half sustained the problem in training ahead of the game against France a fortnight ago and it was hoped he would come back in contention for this weekend’s trip to Wales.

But the problem is worse than first feared with McPhillips now sidelined for the remainder of the championship.

UCD’s Gavin Mullin is also set to miss the games against Wales and England after suffering a relapse of the hamstring injury which forced him out of the first game in Scotland.

The centre pulled up during the open training session with Joe Schmidt’s senior squad in Monaghan in the build-up to the French game having returned in the win over Italy.

Fullback Jack Kelly is back in contention after a shoulder injury. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Cillian Gallagher is also a doubt for this week’s trip to Colwyn Bay as he continues his comeback from a shoulder injury. The Connacht lock is a week away from a return but will have to come through a number of contact sessions before coming back into contention for the final weekend.

In more positive news, captain Jack Kelly is back having trained fully yesterday after nursing a shoulder injury since the win over Scotland.

Nigel Carolan’s side travel to Wales for Saturday’s game with hopes of a Grand Slam still intact after one-point wins over Scotland and Italy before edging past France in Donnybrook last time out.