Ireland prop Tom O’Toole will be sidelined for the upcoming Six Nations match against Scotland after receiving a six-week ban following a red card in a United Rugby Championship (URC) match with Ulster.
Suspension Details
The 26-year-old tighthead was sent off during a match against Munster on December 23 for a dangerous clear-out on Alex Nankivell. This resulted in a 10-week suspension, which was reduced by four weeks due to O’Toole’s good conduct, remorse, and acceptance of the foul play.
The suspension, which started during Ulster’s December 28 clash against Connacht, will cause O’Toole to miss Ireland’s first two games of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, including their match at Murrayfield against Scotland on February 8.
Impact on Ireland’s Squad
O’Toole’s absence will pose a challenge for Ireland’s interim head coach Simon Easterby, as O’Toole was a regular member of the squad since his debut in 2021. In the Autumn Nations Series, he was the second-choice tighthead behind Finlay Bealham.
With O’Toole out of the picture, Bealham is expected to start at tighthead for Ireland in the Six Nations. However, with Tadhg Furlong having limited game time due to a leg injury, Easterby may need to rely on Leinster’s Thomas Clarkson or Munster’s Oli Jager for additional tighthead cover.
The ban leaves Ireland facing key lineup decisions as they prepare for their February clash against Scotland.
