Baloucoune to have fitness assessed before Japan match

Baloucoune to have fitness assessed before Japan matchImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Baloucoune suffered an elbow injury during Ireland's Six Nations campaign in MarchPublished2 hours agoThe Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] says a decision on Robert Baloucoune's fitness will be made later this week before Ireland's Nations Championship match against Japan on Saturday (11:10 BST).The winger was due to start Ireland's opening game against Australia in Sydney but was withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.Andy Farrell's side will aim to build on their narrow 33-31 victory over the Wallabies when they face Japan in Newcastle.Munster prop Jeremy Loughman will not feature in the squad due to concussion, while there are no further injury concerns.Japan opened their Nations Championship campaign with a victory over Italy in Tokyo and sit joint third with Ireland in the Conference table.Eddie Jones' side have won their past two matches with Ireland unbeaten in their past six games.Related topicsRugby UnionIrish RugbyIreland Rugby Union