Ireland centre McCloskey a doubt for Japan game

Centre Stuart McCloskey is an injury doubt for Ireland’s autumn Test with Japan in Dublin on Saturday.

Ulster’s McCloskey was forced off in the second half of Ireland’s 26-13 defeat by New Zealand in Chicago with a groin injury.

The Irish Rugby Football Union said the 33-year-old would be monitored and a decision on his availability would be made throughout the week.

Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw are centre options for Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, while Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne and the uncapped Tom Farrell can also play in midfield.

The IRFU also confirmed that Caelan Doris “successfully” came through his first game since May after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia.

The Irish captain made his return to action as a first-half replacement in Chicago.

Farrell will name his team to face Japan, who were hammered 61-7 by South Africa at the weekend, on Thursday.

The Irish head coach is also awaiting news about any possible sanction for second row Tadhg Beirne after his controversial red card in the defeat by the All Blacks.