Mack Hansen has been recalled to Ireland’s squad for the remaining autumn Tests, while Jamie Osborne will miss out after sustaining a shoulder injury. Ireland face Australia in Dublin on Saturday (20:10 GMT) and then host world champions South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22 November (17:40 GMT).
Connacht wing Mack Hansen, who had been thought unlikely to feature after injuring his foot in Connacht’s United Rugby Championship defeat to the Bulls last month, has rejoined Andy Farrell’s squad. Hansen has not started at full-back for Ireland, though he has been used there for Connacht in each of his last four appearances. With regular full-back Hugo Keenan also unavailable, Hansen gives Farrell an additional option among the back three.
Leinster’s Jamie Osborne, who started at 15 in the earlier Tests against New Zealand and Japan, was replaced by Jimmy O’Brien in the second half of Saturday’s 41-10 win over Japan. Farrell indicated the shoulder problem looked serious and Osborne will miss the autumn series.
Connacht team-mate Darragh Murray has also been called into the squad. The second-row forward earned caps during Ireland’s summer tour to Georgia and Portugal.
Leinster duo Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier remain doubtful ahead of the Wallabies game after suffering hamstring strains; their recovery will be assessed before Ireland name the matchday squad on Thursday. There is more positive news on Stuart McCloskey, who has made progress with a groin issue sustained against New Zealand and is expected to take a full part in training this week.
Australia will be missing La Rochelle lock Will Skelton for the Dublin test after the 33-year-old suffered an ankle injury playing in the Top 14 against Toulon at the weekend. Following Australia’s shock defeat by Italy, Leicester Tigers fly-half James O’Connor has been added to Joe Schmidt’s squad for the visit to the Aviva Stadium.