Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of the rest the World Cup after it was confirmed he suffered a torn hamstring during Sunday’s win over France.
The injury marks the end of the 35-year-old’s long international career as the lock is set to join French side Toulon after the tournament concludes.
The second-row, who also played in seven tests for the British and Irish Lions, had made over 100 caps for the men in green.
This is the second blow for Joe Schmidt in the last 24 hours after flanker Sean O’Brien was cited for striking in the win over Les Bleus.
The New Zealand-born head coach could now be without two or three of his major stars for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina as there is yet to be an update on Jonny Sexton’s groin injury.
More to follow…