Henderson injury scare for Ireland

Iain Henderson could be an injury doubt for the beginning of Ireland’s Six Nations it has been revealed.

According to an Ulster squad update, Henderson will spend “several weeks” out after he injured himself in Ulster’s Heineken Champions Cup win over Leicester Tigers over the weekend.

A statement from the province reads: “The Ulster Rugby medical team have issued a squad update following Saturday’s Champions Cup fixture against Leicester Tigers.

“Iain Henderson suffered a finger injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for several weeks. This fresh injury is unrelated to his recently injured thumb.

“Sean Reidy suffered a hand injury which will require surgery later this week. Billy Burns sustained a concussion and will follow the return to play protocols. Marcell Coetzee sustained a hamstring injury and will be scanned today.”

Henderson had just recovered from injury to take his place in the Ulster team that played Leicester Tigers at Welford Road last Saturday.

It was his 100th appearance for the province.

The British and Irish Lion is the second lock to be sidelined from Irish duty, following the news that Tadgh Beirne will miss the start of the tournament.

A statement from the IRFU reads: “Following a scan Tadgh Beirne has been ruled out of the opening two rounds of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations with a knee injury. Connacht’s Quinn Roux has been called into the squad.”

Beirne had just finished a stellar European Champions Cup pool stage campaign, making 13 turnovers, more than any other player in the competition.

Ireland are the latest Six Nations team to be hit with late injury news. England have concerns over Owen Farrell, Brad Shields and Joe Launchbury, while Scotland have lost Hamish Watson, while Wales look to have lost Taulupe Faletau among others.