Full-back Rob Kearney is set to miss Ireland‘s opening game of the Rugby World Cup against Scotland after injuring his calf.
Kearney is believed to have suffered an injury in training today, and would have been set to start.
He is also an injury doubt for Ireland’s second game against Japan.
The 33-year-old appeared to have rediscovered his best form in his side’s final warm-up game against Wales.
It is a second injury blow for coach Joe Schmidt, with the Irish already having lost centre Robbie Henshaw, who can also cover full-back, for the game with a hamstring issue.
Henshaw has been kept in the 31-man squad for the tournament, suggesting his injury is not as bad as feared.
Versatile back Will Addison is believed to be on standby having been withdrawn from Ulster’s pre-season fixture on Saturday.
In better injury news, Joey Carbery could be in line for an earlier-than-scheduled return against Scotland.
Indeed, Carbery – a fly-half by trade – could be an option at full-back if Ireland favour a dual playmaker system.
More likely, however, is that Kearney’s Leinster team mate Jordan Larmour steps into the starting lineup.
Munster winger Andrew Conway is another option in the squad.
