Ankle Damage Ends Melbourne’s World Cup

Damaged ankle ligaments have ended promising Garryowen lock Mark Melbourne’s involvement at the IRB Under-21 World Cup in Mendoza, Argentina.

The 6ft 5in youngster sustained the injury in Ireland’s opening 31-23 defeat at the hands of France last Thursday, and he is being replaced in the squad by Alex Dunlop of Terenure College RFC and the Leinster Academy.

The Irish youngsters face a must-win clash against Samoa at the Maristas rugby club later today (7.00pm Irish time), with UCC’s Ross Noonan deputising for Melbourne in the second row.