Anxious wait for news on two Six Nations stars for Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby
It will be an interesting couple of days for Andy Farrell's temporary replacement after Tom O'Toole's ban - Leinster will give an update on Tadhg Furlong's fitness plus there is a midweek date for Mack Hansen's URC hearing
Simon Easterby needs positive news on a couple of fronts over the next 48 hours after suffering a pre-Six Nations blow yesterday.
Tom O'Toole's six-game suspension - arising from the Ulster prop's red card against Munster on December 20, for what was ruled dangerous play when he injured Alex Nankivell at a ruck - has put the focus on Tadhg Furlong's recovery from a troublesome hamstring issue.
O'Toole, 26, has been ruled out of Ulster's upcoming Champions Cup pool games against Leicester and Exeter, the URC meeting with Zebre and then Ireland's opening two championship fixtures against England and Scotland.
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With Furlong sidelined, the tighthead brought his number of Test appearances to 16 by coming off the bench against New Zealand, Fiji and Australia in November and he has been a trusted member of Andy Farrell's squad.
Farrell turned his attention to the British and Irish Lions after the Autumn Series, and interim boss Easterby will be hoping that O'Toole's absence is negated by the presence of a fully-fit Furlong alongside Finlay Bealham.
Leinster tyro Thomas Clarkson enhanced his chances of inclusion with promising second half cameos against Argentina and Fiji. But Ireland will need Furlong's experience, leadership and scrum presence for the tough start to the championship and Leinster will provide an update today on the 32-year-old's progress.
Meanwhile, Mack Hansen will learn his fate tomorrow following his outburst against match officials. The URC have set Wednesday as the date for his disciplinary hearing arising from the comments made by the Ireland star at the Aviva Stadium in the wake of Connacht's defeat to Leinster.
The westerners have been expecting a summons to a hearing for the 26-year-old, who could face a ban or a fine - or both - with Connacht next in action against Lyon on Friday in the Challenge Cup, and with the Six Nations less than a month away.
"It felt like we were getting reffed out of the game for the first 40 minutes, pretty much," said the Ireland international after the 20-12 defeat to the table toppers. "I feel like the first bit we were getting pressured from what seemed like 16 men against us instead of 15, to be honest."
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins was asked if he agreed with Hansen's comments, but the winger interrupted: "Can I say something real quick about the situation? Like, I feel like we get this every week. We never get any calls, ever. I've been feeling this for years now."
The URC's disciplinary code includes a reference to attacking, criticising or disparaging match officials in the media or on social media. Wilkins was in touch with URC referees' boss Tappe Henning immediately after the press conference to inform him of what had been said, with the Connacht supremo saying he was opening the lines of communication on the issue.
Hansen has been playing himself back to top form after he missed the second half of last season with a dislocated shoulder and he was outstanding against Leinster and Ulster over the festive period.
However Calvin Nash, who didn't see any game time for Ireland in November, has been waiting for his chance after performing well in last year's Six Nations and will be ready to slot in if Hansen does receive a lengthy ban.
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