Fractured Jaw Rules McFadden Out Of Tour
Following Friday’s match against the Barbarians at Thomond Park, the Ireland management has been able to confirm the outcome of several injuries picked up by players during the game.
Centre Fergus McFadden sustained a fractured jaw, ruling him out of the tour to New Zealand and Australia. The injury will require surgery and a recovery period of six to eight weeks.
Hooker Jerry Flannery, who was a second half replacement against the Barbarians, strained his calf during his time on the pitch and is remaining in Ireland to allow the injury to be monitored.
Flannery’s Munster colleague, the uncapped Damien Varley, has joined the squad for the tour until a final decision has been made on Flannery’s injury later this week.
Shane Horgan, who was selected to play against the Barbarians, pulled out of the game with a stomach complaint that required further investigation.
He will continue to undergo tests in Ireland and has not travelled with the squad today (Saturday) to New Zealand. A decision on whether he will join the touring party will also be made later this week.
Johne Murphy, who started in Horgan’s place against the Baa Baas, has travelled and will remain with the squad irrespective of whether Horgan is able to join the tour or not.
Out-half Jonathan Sexton, who set for bench duty at Thomond Park, pulled out of the game on Friday on medical advice due to an infection in his gum close to the area where he recently had surgery on a fractured jaw.
Following further specialist consultation, he has been passed fit to travel with the squad.
The Ireland squad departed from Shannon Airport this morning for Auckland, ahead of the first game of the tour next Saturday against New Zealand.
RTE Player: Ireland 23 Barbarians 29 – Full Match Coverage