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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Ireland star Dan Leavy ruled out of World Cup with injury

Dan Leavy has been ruled out of Ireland's World Cup plans.

The Leinster flanker suffered what the province are describing as a "complex" knee ligament injury in Saturday's Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Ulster at the Aviva Stadium. 

The problem will be further assessed this week but, after an initial scan, Leinster have confirmed that Leavy will miss the World Cup in Japan in September.

Leavy had been a long term absentee with a calf injury and had only returned to action the week before the quarter-final.

But within 10 minutes of coming on as a second half replacement on Saturday, the 24-year-old sustained the horrific-looking injury.

"He had worked so hard to get himself back physically fit," said Leinster assistant coach John Fogarty. 

"He gives a team a lot confidence so it's a big loss for Leinster and Ireland. "I'm sad for him as well because he works hard to get himself right. 

"He'll probably clear his head for a few weeks now and make a plan to get back on his feet. It's a long road ahead of him now."

Leavy receives treatment against Ulster (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

Meanwhile Leinster could have Robbie Henshaw back in harness this week for their PRO14 clash with Treviso at the RDS on Saturday night.

Henshaw has been out for two months through injury but Leinster say that he will step up his recovery this week.

Devin Toner could be in line for a return for the European semi-final in under three weeks' time as he has increased his training load this week and he could even feature on the bench this week.

Johnny Sexton, who was left out of the Ulster game after feeling tightness in his squad at training last Thursday, will also be further assessed. 

Both Rhys Ruddock and Jamison-Gibson Park suffered head injuries on Saturday. 

A second half replacement, Gibson-Park was taken off with a head injury, while Ruddock underwent a HIA afterwards after reporting neck and head issues. Both will follow return to play protocols.

Rory O'Loughlin suffered a minor hamstring injury just before half-time against Ulster and will be unavailable against Treviso.

Munster hopeful Joey Carbery will be back for Champions Cup semi-final  

If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.     

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