Eire launch health replace forward of Rugby World Cup warm-up opener : PlanetRugby

Eire will go into their opening Rugby World Cup warm-up conflict with Italy on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday with a clear invoice of well being.

That was the phrase from Irish Rugby as they issued an announcement forward of their first run-out as Andy Farrell’s crew step up their preparations for the event.

Eire regathered on the IRFU Excessive Efficiency Centre in Dublin as head coach Farrell is aware of he should quickly whittle his present 42-player squad all the way down to 33.

Accessible for Italy fixture

“The Eire squad have stepped up their preparations forward of Saturday night time’s opening sport of the Financial institution of Eire Nations Collection at Aviva Stadium towards Italy (8pm),” learn an announcement from Irish Rugby on Monday.

“In crew information, all gamers reported into camp on Sunday night and can be found for choice for the Financial institution of Eire Nations Collection.”

Eire will in fact be with out skilled captain Johnny Sexton for his or her warm-up matches, however he’s set to return from suspension for his or her pool opener.

It is Match Week! 😁#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/uZP86KXD8a

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 31, 2023

38-year-old Sexton admitted to a misconduct cost following a row with referee Jaco Peyper on the finish of Leinster’s Champions Cup last defeat to La Rochelle.

After the warm-up conflict with Italy, Eire face England at Aviva Stadium (August 19) and Samoa in Bayonne (August 26) earlier than they head to the World Cup.

Pool opener towards Romania

Their opening pool fixture on the world event is towards Romania in Bordeaux on September 9 earlier than they deal with Tonga, South Africa and Scotland.

Eire are broadly thought of one of many favourites for Rugby World Cup glory in 2023, this after they established themselves atop the World Rugby rankings.

Farrell’s costs additionally claimed a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this 12 months, beating holders France to the trophy with Pool B rival Scotland in third place.

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