Ryan Baird could return in time for Ireland's Six Nations opener in France

The availability of Baird, one of Ireland's standout players against the Springboks, would be a major boost for Six Nations hopes. 

Ryan Baird suffered a fractured tibia during Ireland's defeat to South Africa. Pic: ©INPHO/Gary Carr

Ryan Baird may be looking at a January return from the fractured tibia injury suffered playing for Ireland against South Africa last weekend. All going well, that would put him in the frame for the opening round of the 2026 Six Nations.

Andy Farrell’s side kicks the tournament off away to France on February 5th in what will be the first ever Thursday fixture in the tournament’s history. The hope is that a roughly eight-week rehab will see Baird back in action a fortnight or so before that.

Leo Cullen’s side will be in action throughout the first month of 2026 and that will give Baird ample opportunity to get back up to speed should everything go according to plan. His availability would be a huge boost for club and country.

The versatile forward made the No.6 shirt his own during the November window and has now started the last half-dozen for Ireland on the blindside going back to the and including the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal.

“Yeah, I thought he played great,” said Cullen. “That's frustrating for Ryan more than anybody else, very much. Watching him you’re thinking that he’s really kicking on here now. So yeah, it's not a great time for us but it is what it is. No point crying, is there?” 

Joe McCarthy sat out the last month, as he has the entire season to date, following a foot injury suffered with the British and Irish Lions last summer, but he is now back training with Leinster and likely to make a competitive return next week against Harlequins.

“We just want to be sensible with Joe. He trained today and he will ramp it up again later in the week and certainly be good to go next week hopefully but, again, let’s just try and get a player back safely who has been out for a while.” 

Ireland’s recent exertions will see Leinster have to do without the versatile Jamie Osborne for up to four months as a result of the shoulder injury he suffered against New Zealand in Chicago. Not good either.

Robbie Henshaw and Tommy O’Brien are unavailable for this Friday’s trip to the Dragons due to a hamstring injury and a head knock respectively. Will Connor and James Culhane are also on the absent list since injuries suffered a month back against Zebre.

The Dragons tie is the first of ten games for the province in as many weeks.