Ireland quartet ruled out of Australia rugby test

Injured Ireland quartet Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale, Tadhg Furlong and Ryan Baird have all been ruled out of Saturday's test against Australia.

Leinster back Osborne and Ulster winger Stockdale suffered groin and hamstring issues respectively during the 52-17 win over Fiji at the weekend.

Prop Furlong has not featured in the November tests because of a hamstring problem, while lock Baird sustained a head injury in the 22-19 victory over Argentina on 15 November.

Speaking about Osborne's injury on Tuesday, Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell said: "He's a big loss. He's very versatile on the bench, obviously.

"He covers so many different positions and is growing and getting better all the time."

O'Connell also confirmed Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan, Leinster prop Jack Boyle and Ulster back-row Nick Timoney have been released to their provinces.

Saturday's showdown against Australia in Dublin will be Ireland's final match before boss Andy Farrell takes a break to lead next year's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

The Six Nations champions began November with a loss to New Zealand before defeating Argentina and Fiji.