Irish star Dan Sheehan likely to miss most of next season after suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear

Dan Sheehan is feared to be out for the majority of next season after suffering a suspected cruciate ligament injury in Ireland’s defeat to South Africa on Saturday. The 27-year-old Sheehan has since returned home.

The hooker was injured in the 28th minute when he tackled Springboks’ Eben Etzebeth at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, but played on until half-time, when he was replaced by fellow Leinster forward Rónan Kelleher.

Kelleher will start in the second and final Test of the series in Durban, with Ulster’s Rob Herring coming off the bench.

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Munster’s Craig Casey has also been ruled out of the second Test after suffering a concussion when tackled by former provincial team-mate RG Snyman. Ireland are said to be unhappy that the new Leinster signing was not punished for the incident.

.Head coach Andy Farrell also has other injury concerns, with Robbie Henshaw a doubt for Durban as he goes through return to play protocols after suffering a head injury 15 minutes into the action. He was also withdrawn at half-time.

Andrew Porter suffered a hand injury but returned to action in the closing stages. Jamie Osborne, who made his debut at full-back, is nursing a groin injury. James Lowe and Bundee Aki also picked up injuries. Farrell may have to reshuffle the squad as Ireland regroup with the aim of drawing the series.

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