Ireland handed Six Nations blow as star player ruled out of opener against England

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland suffered a big blow ahead of its Six Nations title defense Sunday with prop Tadhg Furlong ruled out through injury for the team’s opener against England.

The 32-year-old front-rower will sit out Saturday’s game in Dublin after suffering a recurrence of a calf problem during training in Portugal.

The Irish have plugged the gap left by Furlong by drafting in Jack Aungier.

Ireland is looking to become the first country to win the championship outright in three straight years.

___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby