Van der Flier and Ringrose passed fit for South Africa clash

In further good news, prop Thomas Clarkson has passed all HIA protocols. However, centre Stuart McCloskey has been ruled out of the Springboks game. 

Josh van der Flier had been out of action since Ireland played New Zealand in Chicago on November 1. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose have both been passed fit to face South Africa in Dublin this Saturday after successfully returning to full training at the weekend but Stuart McCloskey has been ruled out.

Openside flanker van der Flier and outside centre Ringrose have been sidelined since facing New Zealand on November 1 having nursed hamstring strains over the past two weeks. Head coach Andy Farrell said the pair, both of whom he selected for last summer’s British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, had both trained well last Saturday and their availability would be determined by their reactions to that field session.

An IRFU squad update issued on Monday afternoon brought good news in that regard with both players declared available for selection.

There was also good news for tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson, who earned his 10th Test cap off the bench in the record win over the Wallabies at Aviva Stadium at the weekend but was removed for a Head Injury Assessment triggered by a signal from his mouthguard. The Monday update confirmed Clarkson has passed all the HIA protocols and was expected to train fully with the Ireland squad this week.

Less cheery news for McCloskey, who started at inside centre against both the All Blacks and Australians but was withdrawn on both occasions with a groin issue. Last Saturday’s recurrence means the in-form Ulsterman has been ruled out of the final Quilter Nations Series Test, when Ireland will aim to build on their 46-19 win over Australia against back-to-back world champions and top-ranked South Africa to end 2025 on a high.

Farrell is set to name his matchday squad for the sold-out Aviva clash on Thursday afternoon.