Ulster's Herring set for return to Ireland squad ahead of second New Zealand test

Wednesday, Jun 15 2022 Ireland Rugby Squad Training, Sport Ireland Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15/6/2022 Referee Frank Murphy, Joe McCarthy, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole and Peter O’Mahony Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Andy Farrell's squad have been struck by a number of injuries and absences on the tour. Credit: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Ireland will be boosted by the return to training of Ulster's Rob Herring ahead of the second Test against New Zealand this week.

Harry Byrne, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are also to make their return to the squad.

Andy Farrell's squad have been struck by a number of injuries and absences on the tour but captain Johnny Sexton is expected to be fit for Saturday's match in Dunedin as he undergoes his third and final head injury assessment on Monday.

Prop Jeremy Loughman and Dave Heffernan are currently following 12-day return to play protocols after concussion but fellow hooker Herring and fly-half Byrne are back after knocks while winger Hansen has completed his period of Covid isolation and prop Bealham will do so later in the week.

Centre Stuart McCloskey arrives in New Zealand on Monday, following Ed Byrne who flew in on Saturday following a tour-ending groin injury to James Hume.

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