Ireland boss Andy Farrell facing injury crisis in specialist position as November Tests loom

Connacht's Dave Heffernan could be the man to start for Ireland against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on November 8 as Ireland's depth is being tested

Rónan Kelleher's ankle surgery adds stress to Ireland's November international preparations.

The hooker has undergone a procedure and will be out for four to six weeks, Leinster have said, which means he is in a race against time to make the final couple of games in the four-match Test window, against Australia and Fiji.

With Dan Sheehan (ACL) out until into the new year and Ulster duo Rob Herring and Tom Stewart also sidelined, Andy Farrell may turn to Connacht's Dave Heffernan as his starting No.2 against the All Blacks on November 8.

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Leinster will also be without pack stars Jack Conan and Joe McCarthy for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht due to hamstring injuries, while another hooker, Lee Barron, also has an ankle issue and so Emerging Ireland's Gus McCarthy could start at the Dexcom Stadium.

Ryan Baird is undergoing return to play protocols and may yet play at the weekend, along with Robbie Henshaw - who could make his season debut.

"He's back on the pitch today, it was excellent to see," said Leinster attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal. "We gave him a big clap into the huddle and I think he was both nervous but excited to be back on the field."

Sam Prendergast, who started all three Emerging Ireland games in South Africa, may also feature. “He’s a real option," said Bleyendaal of Prendergast. "I asked him, ‘Mate, are you still walking?’

"He looked at me and said, ‘Yeah, not a problem.’ He enjoyed himself, I think, and playing rugby is what all the players enjoy, so there was probably less training and less meetings.

“I thought he went well. He was obviously given the reins to direct that team around for three matches and again he’s shown that he can control a game with his attacking kicking and he’s good with ball in hand when you give him time and space.

“I had a brief chat with him when I came into here about his experiences over there. Like I said, I’m not sure he needs the rest, if you ask him. He’s competing for those positions at 10, which is great for us, so he’s a real option.

"But we’ve to balance that. We’ve got Frawls up and running now, Sam’s had three matches, the two Byrne brothers are also competing for that spot, so it’s great competition.”

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