Ireland confident of welcoming back recovering players for Tongan test

Simon Easterby says the likes of Robbie Henshaw are expected to be available.

ON THE MEND: Ireland’s Jack Conan and defence coach Simon Easterby. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ireland are optimistic that a number of players who missed the World Cup Pool B win over Romania will be fit to face Tonga in Nantes next Saturday.

Robbie Henshaw was withdrawn from the matchday squad for Ireland’s tournament-opening 82-8 victory over the Romanians at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday. The centre had been named as the outside backs replacement but a hamstring concern experienced the previous day meant he was replaced by wing Mack Hansen.