Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Rob Kearney is Ireland's latest injury blow

Rob Kearney

Ireland’s injury crisis has continued with Rob Kearney the latest player to emerge as a major doubt for Sunday’s Pool A opening clash against Scotland.

ADVERTISEMENT

The veteran full-back is believed to be struggling with a calf problem sustained in training earlier today.

He is now a major doubt for the Scotland game, and the clash with Japan six days later, according to The Irish Times.

Kearney’s setback comes on the back of the news that Ireland are also expected to be without Robbie Henshaw, who is suffering with a hamstring injury.

While Ireland are well stocked with options in the centre, with Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell and Garry Ringrose all fit and available, Kearney’s absence would represent a major blow for Joe Schmidt.

Jordan Larmour is the most likely to start in Kearney’s place, but has endured some difficult outings at fullback. More recently, Schmidt has tended to use Larmour on the wing.

Munster’s Andrew Conway is another option, but has rarely played in the position for Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT

Schmidt played Henshaw at full-back during the Six Nations defeat to England earlier this year as he looked to boost his options in the position, but the experiment was abandoned after the Leinster played endured a difficult outing.

Ireland are expected to provide an update on Kearney’s fitness early tomorrow morning.

There are also doubts surrounding the fitness of Keith Earls and Joey Carbery.

Earls limped off the pitch in Ireland’s final warm-up game against Wales and has yet to train fully in Japan. Joey Carbery, who has been sidelined since the opening warm-up game against Italy, is expected to train fully later this week as he continues his recovery from an ankle problem.

The Rugby Pod on Ireland’s chances in Japan

ADVERTISEMENT
Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video

South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

Play Video

Namibia vs United Arab Emirates | Asia/Africa Rugby World Cup Play-off | Full Match Replay

Play Video

Lions Share | Episode 5

Play Video

Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | First Match | Full Match Replay

Play Video

Did the Lions loosies get away with murder? And revisiting the Springboks lift | Whistle Watch

Play Video

The First Test, Visiting The Great Barrier Reef & Poetry with Pierre | Ep 6: The Ultimate Test

Play Video

KOKO Show | July 22nd | Full Throttle with Brisbane Test Review and Melbourne Preview

Play Video

New Zealand v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

LONG READ
LONG READ Van der Flier Lions cut creates ripples with Ireland but Ryan gets late reward Van der Flier Lions cut creates ripples with Ireland but Ryan gets late reward