Munster's Jeremy Loughman has been called up to Ireland's training squad in place of the injured Jack Conan.
Conan suffered a foot injury in the 33-17 win against Italy this month, and stayed behind in Dublin for precautionary measures, while the rest of the Ireland team trained in their Portugal training camp.
The Leinster back-rower is back at the IRFU’s high-performance center getting back to full-fitness.
Further updates on Conan will be provided later in the week when Andy Farrell names his side to face England on Saturday.
Ireland's scrum coach, John Fogarty, said of Conan, "He has been going really well throughout the week last week. I don't have an update. Andy will be up on Thursday, and he will provide further information. But I haven't received an update. He had a good week, a really, really good week."
Dave Kilcoyne is another Ireland injury doubt. Loughman has been called up for cover purposes. Loughman made his Ireland debut against Fiji last year and also helped Munster win the URC title against the DHL Stormers.
"Dave Kilcoyne is carrying something, so we have brought in Jeremy Loughman. To be honest, it is a pleasure to bring in Jeremy. I thought Munster, in the last six games, had done so well, and Jeremy was part of that.
ℹ️ Jeremy Loughman has joined the Ireland training squad at the IRFU High Performance Centre this week. #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/qQJikCXCwF
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 15, 2023
"He is going to add to us. He had a really good session today. It's actually brilliant to be able to bring someone like Jeremy in who can add. Killer (Kilcoyne) is just looking after himself for the week, so Jeremy will step in with us. It's good."
Ireland's game against England on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium will begin at 5.30 pm. Fogarty added that England under Steve Borthwick will bring a different challenge when the sides meet on Saturday. "A huge momentum team that brings lots of physicality, looks to gain lots of territory, and puts you under so much pressure through all those things," he added.
"So, it's a different challenge. It's probably a step up, and I think the timing of that is perfect for us. We are primed and ready for the weekend. It's important that we continue to make good decisions on the field and get a result. We are really looking forward to it."
