Ireland lose Loughman for Japan clash, wait on Baloucoune fitness
Thomson Reuters
Ireland will be without prop Jeremy Loughman due to concussion and are waiting for news on the âfitness of wing Rob Baloucoune ahead of their second Nations Championship clash âagainst Japan in Newcastle, Australia, on Saturday.
Substitute â Loughman had been on the field for âonly eight minutes when he was injured in â the epic â33-31 win over âAustralia that opened Ireland’s campaign in Sydney at the âweekend, and must undergo standard â return-to-play protocols.
Baloucoune was â forced âto sit out that game with a hamstring injury and a decision on his involvement against Japan would be made later in the week, officials â confirmed on Monday. Japan defeated Italy 27-10 in Tokyo in their first fixture.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell âwill name his side âon Thursday.
