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Ireland's Addison faces World Cup fight after back surgery

Ulster's Will Addison has been called into the Ireland RWC training squad (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Will Addison has been forced to go under the knife for a back injury that he picked up while training with Ireland during the Six Nations.

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It’s left him battling to stake a claim to make Ireland’s squad for the World Cup later this year. Addison, a former England Under 20’s international, left Sale last summer to join Ulster to pursue his international ambitions.

In a statement Ulster said “Will Addison has had recent back surgery. It is hoped that he will return to full fitness for pre-season.”

Addison will be in a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s first World Cup warm-up match is against Italy on August 10th at the Aviva. Ireland then travel to Twickenham to take on England two weeks later.

Joe Schmidt’s team then have back-to-back games against Six Nations champions Wales in Cardiff on August 31st, completing their warm-up fixtures by taking on Warren Gatland’s men in Dublin on September 7th.

Ireland begin their World Cup campaign on September 22nd in Yokohama with their Pool A clash against Scotland.

Addison was a player that Joe Schmidt had been lining up for some time and he was invited out to link up with the Ireland squad last June during their tour of Australia, before he’d even made an appearance for Ulster.

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Addison made his debut during the November internationals against Italy in Chicago followed by outings against Argentina and the USA in Dublin.

He’s a versatile option, comfortable at centre and full-back and has played on the wing.

Ulster also confirmed that their centre Stuart McCloskey picked up a head knock in their 30-7 defeat at Glasgow Warriors last Friday.

“Stuart McCloskey sustained a concussion in the game versus Glasgow Warriors and will follow the return to play protocols.

Watch: Ireland and Munster scrum half Conor Murray talks to RugbyPass about the Champions Cup, Ireland and dealing with malicious rumours

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M
Mzilikazi 26 minutes ago
Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

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