Ryan and Ringrose ruled out for Ireland in blow to Farrell’s plans

Ireland will be without two key players, lock James Ryan and centre Garry Ringrose, for their final Six Nations match, against England in Dublin on Saturday.

Ryan is going through return-toplay protocols following his removal for a head injury assessment late on in Ireland’s 27-24 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

His recovery will be managed by Leinster, the Irish Rugby Football Union announced yesterday. The absence of a player tipped to succeed Johnny Sexton as captain is a serious blow for Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach, who praised the player’s impact in the game against Scotland, particularly at the line-out.

Farrell may decide to switch Tadhg Beirne from blindside flanker to lock, with Peter O’mahony available again following a three-match suspension.

Alternatively, he may choose not to disrupt the balance of a back division who have been firing.

Farrell may instead bring in a specialist such as Leinster’s 21-year-old Ryan Baird, who has made eyecatching cameo appearances against Italy and Scotland.

Ryan’s absence is also a blow to the player’s British and Irish Lions hopes. The 24-year-old began the year in most pundits’ starting Test team for the tour, but has had a frustrating campaign. He missed Ireland’s defeat by France in Dublin after also picking up a knock to the head in the match against Wales.

Ryan’s battle with Maro Itoje, his Lions rival and possible team-mate, would have been one of the highlights of Saturday’s game.

Ringrose, who has played every minute of Ireland’s campaign so far, finished the match in Edinburgh but had picked up an ankle injury.

Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell and Stuart Mccloskey are the options to replace the Leinster player in the midfield.