D’Arcy Out of Ireland Side

Gordon D’Arcy, who was due to win his second senior international cap this afternoo, has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury.

Gordon D’Arcy has been forced to withdraw from the Ireland side for this afternoon’s international against Samoa and his place will go to Tyrone Howe. D’Arcy damaged a hamstring in training on Friday.

He won his first cap as a replacement for Conor O’Shea during the 1999 World Cup and his form for Leinster this season saw him set to win his second international cap until injury intervened.

Howe’s call-up to the senior squad means a recall for Justin Bishop who now comes into the A side for Tuesday’s game against the All Blacks in Rvenhill