Quinlan And Fitzgerald Ruled Out

Ireland squad members Alan Quinlan and Luke Fitzgerald have both been ruled out of contention for selection for the Ireland team to play Australia this weekend.

Alan Quinlan and Luke Fitzgerald have been carrying thigh and ankle injuries respectively and while they have responded well to their rehabilitation programmes, their projected recovery times mean that they will not be available to play against Australia.

Fitzgerald was named in the starting line-up against New Zealand but failed to recover and his place was taken by Paddy Wallace. Fitzgerald had previoulsy started in the centre against the Barbarians in Gloucester the week before.

Stephen Ferris has already been called into the squad as cover for Quinlan, but no replacement is being sought by the Ireland management for Fitzgerald.