Ireland's rugby squad received a significant boost on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, as winger Rob Baloucoune and prop forward Jeremy Loughman returned to training after recovering from injuries. Both players are now in selection contention for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against New Zealand.

Baloucoune had initially been selected to start Ireland’s opening game of the competition against Australia in Sydney on July 4 but had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Loughman suffered a head injury during the second half of Ireland's narrow 33-31 victory over the Wallabies and was subsequently not considered for the following week's win over Japan.

Ireland aims to become the first team to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park since France achieved the feat in 1994, adding extra significance to the upcoming encounter.

Ireland's Jeremy Loughman during training
Ireland's Jeremy Loughman during training at Stade de France, October 6, 2023. (REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq)

Sources