Rugby fans were concerned for Garry Ringrose on Sunday after he was left the field on a stretcher late on during Ireland's 22-7 Six Nations win over Scotland.
Ireland were cursed by a slew of injuries in the Murrayfield triumph as they kept alive their hopes for a Grand Slam heading into the final week. However, Ringrose's exit appeared particularly unfortunate after the 28-year-old's head ricocheted off the hip of Blair Kinghorn, attempting to get to his feet before falling down again.
The final minutes of the match were put on hold as Ringrose received attention on the turf, including an oxygen feed. However, there was some cause for comfort after the 50-cap star managed to give the crowd a feeble thumbs up as he was carted off.
Although Ringrose's health is far greater than any result, it looks highly unlikely the player will pass return-to-play protocols in time for the Grand Slam decider at home to England next Saturday. World Rugby's rules insist a player must be stood down for at least 12 days after suffering a concussion—which Ringrose almost certainly has—before they can be assessed to recommence activity.
The Leinster man will be one of numerous new concerns for head coach Andy Farrell, who lost forward trio Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan and Iain Henderson to injuries during Sunday's first half. Replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher was also forced to withdraw after replacing club team-mate Sheehan, meaning Ulster duo Rob Herring and Tom Stewart may form an all-new hooker pairing against Steve Borthwick's England.
Robbie Henshaw's return to fitness couldn't have been timed better given Ringrose's injury, with Leinster set to lose another star midfielder just as the other made his first appearance of 2023. Connacht's Bundee Aki will therefore be in the frame to keep his spot in the XV, while Stuart McCloskey looks likely to return to the matchday squad.
Ringrose retained a crucial role in Ireland's plans as the Six Nations leaders overcame a stern Scottish threat to seal their third straight victory at Murrayfield. Huw Jones' breakthrough try put Gregor Townsend's men in the ascendancy early on, only for tries from Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Jack Conan to turn the tide.
The result leaves Farrell's favourites four points ahead at the table summit with one round of fixtures to play, meaning even a draw against England would guarantee the crown. However, nothing but the maximum haul will do for an Ireland team currently ranked No. 1 in the world and expected to do well at this year's Rugby World Cup.
The men in green will be firm frontrunners to beat an England team that just conceded a record-breaking 53 points in a horrifying home defeat against France on Saturday. Farrell said after Sunday's win that Ringrose was talking in the medical room and 'taking his time' as he gathered his senses.
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