No divide in Ireland camp says mentor

SPOTLIGHT: There is “great harmony” in the Ireland camp despite a fractious clash between Leinster and Munster at the weekend, according to assistant coach John Fogarty.

Leinster have dominated the rivalry but Munster won Saturday’s United Rugby Championship encounter, which featured several bouts of pushing and shoving and multiple injuries, 31-14.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Fogarty said: “There was a good laugh among the players. The Leinster players will be disappointed, I’m sure.

*Article continues below…

“You come into Irish camp, you start to get your head around the fixtures. [Head coach] Andy [Farrell] had a chat, the page has turned unbelievably fast.

“There’s a great harmony among the players in camp. They’re good friends, they’re good mates and you don’t want to lose to your friends. That rivalry is alive and well, and long may it continue.

“It’s good for Irish rugby. All the provinces are performing well. There is no issue here with us, we’re excited to get into a green jersey, get on a plane tomorrow and start to dream big about this November and whatever’s after that.”

The contest proved costly for Munster pair Edwin Edogbo (concussion) and Brian Gleeson (elbow), who have both been ruled out of the trip to face New Zealand in Chicago on November 1.

Connacht wing Mack Hansen has also been ruled out after suffering an aggravation to a foot injury late in Connacht’s loss to the Bulls.

Bundee Aki (hip) and Robbie Henshaw (groin) will travel to Illinois with the squad on Tuesday but will continue to be assessed.

The Chicago encounter is a rematch of Ireland’s historic 2016 meeting with New Zealand in the same city where they recorded a first victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying.

Fogarty said of Hansen: “He’ll be very disappointed. It’s a huge November and a huge opportunity to play against the best in the world so any player that’s not going to make it is going to be disappointed. And so are we, we think he’s a world-class player.

“It’s exciting, the guys coming in, Tom Farrell and Jimmy. I’m taking some credit for Tom, I coached him at Under-20s with Leinster. I told him I was trying to get him in for a long time now so I’m glad he’s here.”