The whole of Ireland worry as Tadhg Furlong limps off early

Not a sight we wanted to see.

Tadhg Furlong limped off just three minutes in to Ireland's second round Six Nations clash with Italy in the Aviva Stadium. The Wexford prop limped off the field to be replaced by Andrew Porter in the early stages of the game. Ireland's number three was feeling his left hamstring as he departed the fray, and the consensus is that he'd strained it. Given that Ireland were such heavy favourites to overcome the challenge posed by Italy, the concern regarding Furlong is more focused on his availability for the forthcoming fixtures, with crunch clashes against Scotland and Wales lurking over the horizon. The New Ross man has been one of Ireland and Leinster's most consistent players over the last two years. His ferocious competitiveness on the deck combined with his explosive carries are crucial to this Ireland team's game plan. [caption id="attachment_144814" align="alignnone" width="647"] 10 March 2017; Tadhg Furlong of Ireland following the RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile[/caption] Last week in Paris, he contributed handsomely to Ireland's narrow victory, with some trademark carries, while he also won some invaluable penalties. Nicknamed the jukebox, because the hits keep coming from the 25-year-old, Furlong has quickly established himself as a fan favourite amongst Irish rugby folk. His wholehearted, committed style endears him to Irish eyes. And those Irish eyes were fearing the worst, but hoping for the best after 180 seconds on Saturday. https://twitter.com/NewRossRFC2014/status/962331801636212737 https://twitter.com/timbcaycgi/status/962331147836440576 https://twitter.com/JGunnFanPage/status/962331075652538372 https://twitter.com/RugbaiAsGaeilge/status/962330827953713152 https://twitter.com/bencoles_/status/962330770529497088