Ireland have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their three-Test series with Australia after captain Rory Best was ruled out injured.
The Ulster veteran will miss the tour due to a hamstring injury with Munster hooker Niall Scannell coming in as his replacement in the squad.
Speaking at a press conference, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt hinted that Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony could share the captaincy.
Sean Cronin and Rob Herring are the other hookers currently in the squad as they prepare for games in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.