Ireland and France have both been forced into late squad changes ahead of their blockbuster Six Nations opener.

Ireland’s squad regrouped at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Sunday ahead of a pre-tournament camp in Portugal, but Andy Farrell’s original group has already been trimmed by two enforced changes.

Loosehead prop Jack Boyle has been ruled out after sustaining a leg injury while playing for Leinster in their Vodacom URC win over Connacht on Saturday. The setback sees Boyle replaced by uncapped Connacht Academy prop Billy Bohan.

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Bohan featured for Ireland U20 during last season’s U20 Six Nations and Junior World Championship and now earns a senior call-up at a time when Ireland’s loosehead stocks are under pressure. Boyle becomes the latest casualty in the position, following injuries to Leinster teammates Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy.

That leaves Bohan joining Munster pair Jeremy Loughman and Michael Milne as Farrell’s available options at loosehead for the opening round.

There has also been a change in the back-row department, with Munster forward Tom Ahern dropping out of the squad. He is replaced by Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu.

Meanwhile, Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune remains under assessment after being withdrawn at half-time during his side’s defeat to the Scarlets.

Ireland open their Six Nations campaign away to France on Thursday, 5 February – a fixture that now comes with its own late adjustment on the French side.

France confirmed on Sunday that Toulouse lock Thibaud Flament has withdrawn from the squad in order to accompany his wife during fertility treatment. He is replaced by club teammate Joshua Brennan.

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Brennan, who has two caps for Les Bleus, offers versatility across the second row and flank. The 23-year-old also carries a unique connection to the opposition, with his father Trevor having represented Ireland during his playing career.

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