IRELAND HAVE SUFFERED an injury blow ahead of the World Cup with the news that Tommy O’Donnell has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
The Munster flanker was stretchered off the pitch during Ireland’s 35-21 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and after an anxious wait on the prognosis, scans show O’Donnell suffered a hip dislocation.
“Investigations at University Hospital Wales yesterday afternoon confirmed that Tommy suffered a hip dislocation in the game against Wales,” an IRFU statement this afternoon confirmed.
“He will be limited to non-weight bearing activity for at least 6 weeks and has unfortunately been ruled out of participating in RWC15.”
The 28-year-old made his debut against USA in 2013 and had played his way into contention for Joe Schmidt’s squad with a series of impressive performances for province and country.
Speaking after Saturday’s game, Schmidt admitted losing a ‘dynamic player’ like O’Donnell would be a blow.
“The frustrating thing for Tommy is that he made 14 or 15 tackles, he got at least three, maybe four or five turnovers,” the Ireland head coach said. “I thought he started the game really strongly and he’s such a dynamic player for us that we’re just going to cross our fingers and wait and see to be honest.”
It’s not the first time an Irish player has had his World Cup dreams shattered in the build-up to the tournament. Four years ago, both Felix Jones and David Wallace missed out while Geordan Murphy suffered the same fate in 2003.
Meanwhile, Andrew Trimble will have a precautionary scan on the foot injury he sustained in the warm-up game. The Ulster winger has only just returned to action having not played since last October due to a toe injury.
Ireland continue their preparations this Saturday [5pm] against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium before a rematch with Wales and a visit to Twickenham.
The World Cup campaign begins against Canada in Cardiff on Saturday 19 September.
