Ireland lose Jansen for Nations Championship, Sheehan for Fiji

Ireland will be without Sean Jansen for the rest of the Nations Championship and captain Dan Sheehan against Fiji after the IRFU confirmed injury updates on Monday. Jansen has a knee injury, while Sheehan sustained a concussion in Ireland’s 42-12 win over Argentina and is following a 12-day return-to-play protocol.

The IRFU said Jansen will return to his province for rehabilitation. His absence adds to Ireland’s back-row injuries: Caelan Doris and Jack Conan are already sidelined. The update did not provide a return date for Jansen.

Sheehan, a hooker appointed Ireland’s captain for November, will miss Saturday’s home match against Fiji at Aviva Stadium. Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy will train with the squad this week. Ireland is due to announce its team for the match at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The management will continue to monitor wing Rob Baloucoune, who had cramp, and flanker Josh van der Flier, who has an ankle issue. The IRFU said management hoped both would be available for Fiji. Bundee Aki, who withdrew from the Argentina match because of illness, was expected to resume full training Tuesday.

Ulster back-row David McCann will also train with the senior squad. His inclusion...