Sean Farrell reports from Celtic Manor

PETER O’MAHONY HAS been ruled out of the remainder of Ireland’s World Cup campaign.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

The Munster captain sustained a knee ligament injury in yesterday’s bruising 24-9 win over France in the Millennium Stadium, having played exceptionally well for 55 minutes.

O’Mahony appeared to be in serious pain at the time, and Ireland’s management team this morning confirmed the worst fears. The back row will fly back to Dublin today to see a specialist and will not play for Ireland again at this tournament.

Ireland say that Paul O’Connell was hospitalised overnight with a “significant hamstring injury” and that he is now awaiting a scan. The outlook is not positive for the captain.

Johnny Sexton is another player awaiting a scan on a groin injury, and although Ireland are hopeful that the out-half’s injury is not a serious one, it is still unclear whether or not he will take part in next weekend’s quarter-final against Argentina.

Despite the loss of Jared Payne on Friday, Peter O’Mahony and almost certainly Paul O’Connell, there are no confirmed call-ups to Joe Schmidt’s squad as the management try to assess to full extent of the casualty list. However, news is expected later today when the medical reports come through.

“After an incredibly physical encounter a host of players are nursing bumps and bruises and will have to be managed, but nothing more serious than that,” added team manager Mick Kearney.

Kearney also addressed the suggestion that O’Connell may even remain with the squad despite his injury,

“That’s a decision to be made after he has his scans and we know the extent of the damage. It’ll really be down to Paul whether he’d like to stick around or not, and the extent of the injury, so we’ll have to see later today.”