Scrum-half Gibson-Park and Conan to Miss Ireland’s Tour of South Africa
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and back-rower Jack Conan will miss Ireland’s upcoming two-Test series against world champions South Africa. The first-choice number nine Gibson-Park is ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Leinster teammate Conan is unavailable for personal reasons.
Despite these key absences, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a 35-man squad for the tour, which includes a first senior call-up for Ulster lock Cormac Izuchukwu and the inclusion of uncapped Leinster duo Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast. The squad will be captained by veteran Peter O’Mahony.
“Travelling to South Africa to play a Test series against the defending world champions provides no greater test for us, and it is another valuable opportunity for us to further grow and develop from the Guinness Six Nations.”
- Andy Farrell, Ireland Head Coach
Full-back Hugo Keenan will miss the tour as he is set to represent Ireland’s rugby sevens squad at the Paris Olympics. However, Jimmy O’Brien makes a timely return from injury, while hooker Rob Herring is also back in the fold after missing the Guinness Six Nations triumph earlier this year.
Ireland will face the Springboks on July 6 in Pretoria and July 13 in Durban, seeking to continue their recent dominance over the world champions. The Irish have won the last three meetings between the nations, including a 13-8 victory during the 2019 World Cup pool stage.
Skipper O’Mahony echoed these sentiments, noting the “respect and familiarity” between the two countries and the tough challenge that the world champion Springboks will present.
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