Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has returned to New Zealand following a family bereavement but plans to return to Dublin for the game against Italy on Saturday.
In his absence Andy Farrell, who will succeed Schmidt after the World Cup, has been taking charge of the team's training sessions.
The IRFU says that Schmidt will return before the match on Saturday at the Aviva, the first of four World Cup warm-up games.
Speaking at their Carton House, Maynooth training base, scrum coach Greg Feek said: "Unfortunately, Joe had to go back to New Zealand after a family bereavement.
"On behalf of the team we'd like to extend condolences to his family.
"He’ll be back towards the end of the week.
"Joe’s had things in place, players know their roles. It’s been quite seamless.
"We know Joe is on the computer and keeping an eye on things. We have to keep going.
"Andy is taking the reins and he’s doing a good job to be fair to him."
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