LEINSTER’S ROB RUSSELL has been ruled out of the rest of Emerging Ireland’s tour of South Africa due to a hand injury.
Russell was part of Simon Easterby’s outfit who opened their three-match tour with a win over the Pumas this week, but was replaced by Jude Postlethwaite in the 20th minute on the wing through injury. A squad update from Irish Rugby today has revealed that Russell “will play no further part in the tour.”
Meanwhile, Munster loosehead prop George Hadden will link up with the squad ahead of the next game against Western Force on Sunday afternoon, as cover for Mark Donnelly who has an ankle injury.
“The Pumas had a Currie Cup campaign to prepare for this game and we’ve had six or seven days but I think, to a man, our guys stepped up to the challenge,” said Easterby.
“I think these tours are always going to be challenging, they’re always going to put us under pressure for the time, but we certainly wouldn’t look for any excuses in terms of our preparation.
“I thought, on the whole, we were outstanding and everyone showed up really well. We got good minutes out of those guys that started, and we got a really good hit out of the guys who came off the bench and they added as well.”
Emerging Ireland Squad Update
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 4, 2024
Rob Russell has been ruled out of the rest of the tour while George Hadden is called up as additional front row cover. #TeamOfUs
Ireland’s next game against the Western Force [kick-off, 12pm Irish time] will be available to stream live here.
Feel very sorry for the lad, a winger who’s almost 26, this felt like probably his last chance to kick start an international career
Forget that headline, I think someone needs to get the Ulster lads in this EI tour on the next flight to Pretoria because the bulls lineup has just been released .That bulls pack and bench are off the charts. Big, big performance from that Ulster pack needed tomorrow …for the bulls, hopefully see an 80 minute game. all the boks back. Can’t be more daunting a prospect for this Ulster side but great expereince. Tough, tough challenge in pretoria.
@Stuart: do they not have rest periods after international exposure. Hmm very weird
@Gary Galligan: rest? What’s that?.they can rest on Christmas day, we play round the clock…
@Stuart: Forget about Ulster Stu.
@Stuart: need rest bro
@Stuart: Why is everything about SA with you the guy is out for 8 weeks more important
@Stuart:Connacht have 7 players on the tour. Connacht have a smaller squad. It is honor for those players and well done to r them, hope you can take your opportunity to move up .
Pity he’s a nippy good baller
Is the force sending their first team squad from super rugby up?? If so. Huge test for the young guns.