LONDON – Ireland have been dealt a massive blow ahead of next month’s Rugby World Cup are scans revealed that back-rower Tommy O’Donnell dislocated a hip in their 35-21 win over Wales on Saturday.
The Munster flanker was stretchered off at Millennium Stadium deep into the match but Ireland’s Coaching management held high hopes that the sustained injury wasn’t as serious as it looked. However, subsequent scans on Saturday evening and Sunday have showed the full extend of the injury.
In a statement, the Irish Rugby Union confirmed the end of O’Donnells hopes of playing in his first World Cup.
“Tommy will be limited to non-weight bearing activity for at least six weeks and has unfortunately been ruled out of participating in Rugby World Cup 2015.”
The news will be devastating for the 28 year old however, the injury opens the door for Chris Henry, one of the fringe Irish backrowers who is gunning for selection in the 31-man World Cup squad.