Sam Prendergast injury leaves Ireland waiting on Argentina availability as Carbery starts against Munster

Sam Prendergast will miss Leinster’s clash with Munster because of a wrist injury, with Leo Cullen uncertain whether the fly-half will recover for Ireland’s meeting with Argentina on 6 November.

Joey Carbery starts at number 10 for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby. For Ireland coach Andy Farrell, Prendergast’s fitness adds another consideration with Jack Crowley already unavailable.

What has Cullen said about Prendergast’s injury?

Prendergast suffered the injury in training, according to RTÉ Sport’s report.

Asked whether the 23-year-old would be ready to face Argentina, Cullen said: “He’ll be tight, I’d say.”

The Leinster head coach explained that managing pain was the main concern. Prendergast had wanted to play against Munster, but the province decided against selecting him.

No definite return date has been given. His absence from the derby is confirmed; missing Ireland’s November opener is still a possibility rather than a certainty.

Ireland’s fly-half options face another test

Crowley and Harry Byrne were among the injured players omitted from Farrell’s November squad, as detailed in Reuters’ squad report.

That makes Prendergast’s progress particularly relevant to the selection at number 10. Ciarán Frawley offers an alternative, while uncapped Ulster back Jamie Benson has also been included.

Our guide to Benson’s Ireland call-up explains his background and the versatility he brings to the squad.

Prendergast’s injury does not settle the selection. Farrell must still weigh fitness, form and the balance of his backline before choosing his side to face Argentina.

The distinction also matters when assessing the case for Frawley to start at fly-half: an opportunity may be opening, but no starting decision has been announced.

Carbery gets his Leinster opportunity

Carbery’s selection against Munster is his first start since returning to Leinster, with captain Dan Sheehan moving to number eight and Rónan Kelleher starting at hooker, as reported by Talking Rugby Union.

Garry Ringrose also misses the derby with a hamstring injury.

The changes follow Leinster’s 48–23 Champions Cup victory at Clermont, when Prendergast played a prominent role in their second-half response.

For now, Carbery takes responsibility for directing Leinster against his former province. Prendergast’s next step is a clearer assessment of whether his wrist will allow him to return before Ireland begin their November programme.