IRELAND INTERIM HEAD coach Peter Malone will be without a number of key players for next month’s U20 World Championship with the news Jordan Larmour, Tommy O’Brien and Bill Johnston will all miss the tournament.
There are also major concerns surrounding the fitness of forwards Caelan Doris and Cillian Gallagher ahead of the tournament, with Ireland set to head to Georgia with an injury-ravaged squad.
The news was first reported by the Irish Times this afternoon, with an IRFU spokesperson later confirming the loss of the three backs to The42.
Larmour, one of the standout performers from the U20 Six Nations campaign, sustained an ankle injury in St Mary’s College’s league clash with Cork Constitution and was forced to undergo surgery.
The former St Andrew’s College student featured in all five of Ireland’s games during the Six Nations and scored two tries in the win over Italy.
His outstanding contributions both on the wing and in the fullback position saw him emerge as arguably Ireland’s most influential and destructive player of the tournament and his unavailability is a major blow for Malone’s side.
Furthermore, the confirmed loss of UCD centre O’Brien, who damaged his hamstring in a club game, and Munster outhalf Johnston further reduces the backline options available to Malone.
St Mary’s number eight Doris is in a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s opening game of the campaign against Italy on 31 May after hobbling off in the same game as Larmour and Gallagher continues to struggle with the shoulder problem which cut short his involvement in the Six Nations.
Ulster duo Rob Lyttle and Johnny McPhillips are also said to be doubts with shoulder and groin injuries.
Ireland face Italy, Scotland and New Zealand in Pool B with Malone set to name his squad the week of the 15 May.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
