South African-born Ireland No 8 CJ Stander is set to be sidelined for four weeks after suffering multiple facial fractures in the Test against England on Saturday.

Stander sustained two fractures in his cheek and eye socket in the third minute of the Six Nations clash after colliding with England flanker Tom Curry, but played a total of 62 minutes despite suffering double cheek and eye socket fractures.

Although some criticism has arisen over why he was not replaced, it’s said that he apparently did not disclose the nature of the injury.

Stander is now expected to miss matches against Scotland and Italy, but could be back in time to face France and Wales in the final two rounds of the Six Nations.

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