Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll is set to equal the world record mark of 139 caps against England on Saturday

Ireland star Sean O'Brien believes dream treble could be on the cards

IRELAND’S rugby ambitions have been dealt a blow with the news that Sean O’Brien has been hit with a infection and Brian O’Driscoll is suffering from a stomach bug.

Although O’Driscoll is expected to be on the mend and will line out against England on Saturday, O’Brien has lost approximately a stone in weight as a result of the infection.

The Leinster and Ireland openside flanker contracted the infection after surgery on his shoulder and is now convalescing.

He will most likely sit on the sidelines for the remainder of the rugby season. It is believed that the player has been ruled out of playing in any more Heineken Cup matches with Leinster, as well as the PRO12 League.

Sources also said that he may have to sit out Ireland’s two tests in Argentina in June.

O’Brien (27) dislocated his shoulder against Ulster in the PRO12 earlier this year and had surgery to repair serious damage.

OPERATION

Leinster medical staff initially hoped that keyhole surgery would be sufficient but a more invasive operation was required in Manchester.

O’Brien’s wound got infected soon after, leading to a loss of around 10 kilos – or almost a stone – in weight.

This was in part down to his convalescence and in part down to the infection.

Meanwhile, Brian O’Driscoll sat out training yesterday due to an illness.

However, he is expected to take part in full training tomorrow according to Ireland's |assistant coach Les Kiss.

“Brian has a slight little bug but he will be fine for Thursday and Saturday's international,” Kiss said.

Irish Independent