Ireland and Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in his side’s 24-9 victory over Pool D rivals France.
As reported by the BBC, the 26-year-old had to leave the pitch after 14 minutes into the second half due to the injury while Chris Henry came on to the replace the 35-times capped Munster star.
Team manager Mick Kearney admitted that O’Mahony would play no further part in the tournament and is “returning to Dublin for specialist opinion.”
Further injury heartache could also await Joe Schmidt as captain Paul O’Connell is set to have a scan on a leg injury that could spell the end of the influential lock’s international career as he planned to retire from the international scene after this year’s World Cup.
“Paul O’Connell appears to have suffered a significant hamstring injury and was hospitalised overnight. He is having scans to clarify the extent of the injury,” added Kearney.
“After an incredibly physical encounter, a host of players are reporting bumps and soreness and will have to be managed, but nothing more serious than that.
“Only Peter O’Mahony has definitely been ruled out. As soon as we have more clarity on the injury front we will be in a position to make decisions on replacement players.”
Iain Henderson, who replaced the injured O’Connell during the game against France, may be selected in the back row as a replacement for O’Mahony for the quarter-final clash against Argentina next weekend with Donnacha Ryan mooted as a potential candidate to partner Devin Toner in the second row.
On a more positive note, Ireland’s selection team have been encouraged by the signs shown by Jonny Sexton following a groin injury that saw the Leinsterman being replaced by Ian Madigan in the first half and they are hopeful that he will be available for selection once again ahead of their next game.
Kearney also stated that a decision on who will be called up to replace the injured Jared Payne will be made later on Monday.
