IRELAND WILL BE without captain Niamh Briggs for the remainder of the Women’s Six Nations with a hamstring injury.
The 32-year-old missed the first two games of the campaign and a scan has revealed the extent of the damage, with Briggs now ruled out of the games against France, Wales and England.
It had been hoped Briggs would shake off the problem in time to play some part in the Championship but the news is a major blow to Tom Tierney’s side as they chase a third Grand Slam in five years.
“A scan on the 57-times capped full-back has confirmed a hamstring injury, ruling Niamh out for the remainder of the Women’s 6 Nations Championship,” an IRFU statement read.
“She will work with the IRFU medical staff to rehab the injury over the coming weeks.”
Ireland currently sit top of the Six Nations with 10 points after collecting bonus point wins against Scotland and Italy in the opening two weekends.
Tierney’s side welcome their French counterparts to Donnybrook for Ireland’s first home game of the campaign on Sunday 26 February at 12.45pm.
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