Ireland lock Iain Henderson has been ruled out of Sunday's Six Nations clash with England aftee the birth of his son, with Devin Toner taking over the number four shirt to win his 70th cap at Twickenham. Connacht lock Ultan Dillane will take Toner's place among the replacements.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is pleased to have Leinster team-mate involved again from the start after he missed out on the Rugby World Cup.
“It’s brilliant for him, he’s bounced back really well. Obviously everyone has setbacks through their career and he had a big one at a bad time for him, but he has bounced back well,” said Sexton.
“You saw by the reception that he got against Scotland, I’ve never heard a crowd cheer so loud for a lineout win. We were giving him a bit of stick about it, but it just shows what everyone thinks of him. All the lads are delighted for him.”
Scrum coach John Fogarty said Ireland had time to prepare for Henderson’s absence.
“Faz [Andy Farrell] was speaking with Iain during the week to see how it would all turn out,” said Fogarty “They spoke a bit last night and this morning and it became clear this morning. We had planned during the week, in the eventuality that it would happen, that Dev is there.
“It’s a big ask if he [Henderson] was to come straight in, he missed two sessions, so that bit of cohesion when he’s an important person in our line-out and in our team. We’re delighted for him, a little baby boy.”
