Following Friday’s match against the Barbarians in Thomond Park, the Ireland team has been able to confirm the outcome of several injuries picked up from that game…
Centre Fergus McFadden sustained a fractured jaw, ruling him out of the tour to New Zealand and Australia. The injury will require surgery and a recovery period of 6-8 weeks.
Jerry Flannery strained his calf during the game and is remaining in Ireland to allow the injury to be monitored. The uncapped Munster hooker Damian Varley has joined the squad for the tour until a final decision has been made on Jerry Flannery’s injury later this week.
Shane Horgan, who was selected to play against the Barbarians, pulled out of the game with a stomach complaint that required further investigation. He will continue to undergo tests in Ireland and has not travelled with the squad today to New Zealand. A decision on whether he will join the touring party will also be made later this week. Johne Murphy has travelled and will remain with the squad irrespective of the outcome of Shane Horgan being able to join the tour.
Jonathan Sexton pulled out of the game last night on medical advice due to an infection in his gum close to the area where he recently had surgery on a fractured jaw. Following further specialist consultation, he has been passed fit to travel with the squad.
The Ireland squad departed from Shannon airport this morning for Auckland ahead of the first game of the tour next Saturday (June 12th) against New Zealand.
