Farrell provides update on Casey after horror head injury in Springbok test

IRELAND boss Andy Farrell gave an update on Craig Casey after Ireland’s first test loss to South Africa in Pretoria.

The world champions South Africa ended an eight-year losing streak against Andy Farrell’s side after a 27-20 win during a bruising encounter at Lotus Versfeld.

But there were worrying scenes for Ireland after Craig Casey was stretchered off after a collision in the 63rd minute.

The scrum-half was on the wrong end of a tackle from new Leinster recruit RG Synman in the first test.

25-year-old Casey landed heavily on his head after after a perfectly legal tackle from the second-row.

While the hit was a fair one, the player’s head whipped off the hard summer turf at the Pretoria venue in worrying scenes.

Medic rushed to the pitch as they tended to the Ireland star in the first game of the two-test series.

The player was put in a neck brace but was conscious after the collision.

Casey raised his hand as he was removed from the pitch on a medial cart in a gesture to family and friends watching at home.

Conor Murray replaced Casey on the 63rd minute of the tough encounter as the visitors trailed the Springboks.

And speaking after the clash, the Ireland boss Andy Farrell issued an update on the Munster ace as he confirmed the player had sustained a concussion.

It’s unlikely the Limerick native will be able to play next week after Farrell revealed the news in the post-match presser.

The Irish gaffer said: “He’s concussed.

“He was still on the trolley when I came in at the end so obviously it was concerning enough but he was up and walking around, not quite himself yet but he’s up and about and wondering what’s going on.”

The second test between South Africa and Ireland takes place at Kings Park, Durban, next Saturday, July 13 at 4pm IST.