Dan Sheehan: Ireland hooker faces long lay-off as knee injury ends South Africa tour
Dan Sheehan suffered a knee injury in Ireland's 27-20 loss to South Africa in the first Test; the hooker could be sidelined until 2025; Watch southern hemisphere summer tour action live on Sky Sports, with South Africa vs Ireland at 4pm on Saturday
Tuesday 9 July 2024 06:33, UK
Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has suffered a serious knee injury and is heading home from the tour of South Africa while scrum-half Craig Casey will also miss Saturday's second Test in Durban, live on Sky Sports.
Sheehan, 25, suffered a suspected ACL tear during Saturday's first Test in Pretoria, which South Africa won 27-20, and faces a lengthy lay-off that is likely to rule him out until 2025.
Casey was carried off with concussion in the second half after a lengthy stoppage to the game while he received treatment on the pitch.
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A squad update on Monday evening said: "Following medical assessments after Saturday's opening Test, the Ireland management can confirm that neither Craig Casey (concussion) nor Dan Sheehan (left knee) will play any further part in the South African series which concludes next Saturday in Durban.
"Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak have been called up and the duo have linked up with the squad in Durban. There will be a further medical update later in the week."
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Ireland are counting the cost of an extremely physical contest at Loftus Versfeld. Robbie Henshaw was forced at half-time with suspected concussion while fellow centre Bundee Aki (shoulder), wing James Lowe (thigh) and full-back Jamie Osborne (groin) are also doubts.
Andrew Porter sustained a cut to his hand and left the pitch for treatment during the second half, but was able to return.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will name his team on Thursday as they chase only their second win over the Springboks on South African soil.
What's next?
Ireland travelled Durban ahead of the second and final Test of the series against South Africa on Saturday July 13. That match is live on Sky Sports Action from 3.30pm (4pm kick-off).
Watch New Zealand vs England (8.05am kick-off) and Australia vs Wales (10.45am kick-off) earlier on the same day, both live on Sky Sports Action.
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