Ireland boosted by players returning from injury

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Ireland Training - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 6, 2023 Ireland's Jeremy Loughman during training REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq 14 Jul 2026 09:01PM AUCKLAND, July 14 : Winger Rob Baloucoune and prop forward Jeremy Loughman returned to training with Ireland after injury and will be in selection contention for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against New Zealand.• Baloucoune had been selected to start Ireland’s opening game of the new competition against Australia in Sydney on July 4, but withdrew with a hamstring injury.• Loughman suffered a head injury during the second half of the narrow 33-31 win over the Wallabies and was not considered for last week’s win over Japan.• Ireland will attempt to become the first side to beat the All Bl