Ireland's Addison faces World Cup fight after back surgery

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.

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.

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.

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