Ireland vs New Zealand: Jack Conan doesn’t expect a British and Irish Lions hangover in Chicago

Irish back-row Jack Conan says any potential hangover from the British and Irish Lions tour is “not on anyone’s mind” ahead of their return clash in Chicago with New Zealand.

Andy Farrell’s Lions panel included 18 Irish players, but Leinster, who had a 14-strong squad in Australia, lost three of their four United Rugby Championship matches this season.

Ireland will take on New Zealand in Chicago on November 1 at Soldier Field where the Irish defeated the All Blacks for the first time in 2016.

“I don’t think it’s anything,” Coonan said when asked if he had any concerns about Ireland’s hangover from the Lions tour.

“I don’t think anyone would say Tadhg Byrne was suffering from black sickness or whatever you call it. Over the weekend [in Munster’s 31-14 win over Leinster] It was great.

“Obviously things didn’t go well for Leinster against Munster the other day, but there were still some good performances there.

“It’s not something that’s on anyone’s mind. I think the players will be fresh and ready to go. There will be no lack of motivation for next week or weeks to come.”

Conan missed the Munster defeat with a ‘nuisance’ but could make his first appearance of the season in Chicago against New Zealand.

With a large number of Irish internationals missing for the Lions in the summer, the last time a full-strength Irish side played together was in March’s Six Nations final in Italy.

In that period, New Zealand have played nine matches and almost won the Rugby Championship, and Coonan says Farrell’s side will be ready to take on the All Blacks despite a lack of international minutes.

“It is unacceptable in this environment to have any excuses for not performing well,” Conan said.

“There are no excuses. It’s great to be here now to have time to train together without the distractions of travel.

“We will prepare well for next week. We have done it before and we will do it again.”