JOE SCHMIDT’S TIGHTHEAD options have been reduced to three today with confirmation that Connacht prop Nathan White will be out for up to 16 weeks.
White had been named in Ireland’s squad for the November Tests and with doubts over the fitness of Mike Ross, the Kiwi was likely to win his first cap in the meeting with Australia.
In training at Carton House this week however, White ‘suffered a tendon rupture in his upper arm’ according to today’s statement from the IRFU and will go under the knife next week.
Ireland’s medical team have provided positive reports on Ross’ progress. Stephen Archer and Rodney Ah You are the remaining options for the number three jersey.
Meanwhile, Ulster have announced the appointment of Bryn Cunningham as team manager, a position newly created after the summer review of management structure within the province.
The former Ulster fullback will now leave his role as an agent with Esportif International.
“With it being a large part of my life,” Cunningham says of the Ulster rugby scene, “I know the place intimately and have clear goals over the next three years in helping to take the province to the top of the European Table.”