By Rory Keane for MailOnline
Published: 23:38 BST, 26 May 2019 | Updated: 23:38 BST, 26 May 2019
View
comments
Joe Schmidt has suffered a World Cup injury blow with veteran flanker Seán O'Brien ruled out of the tournament in Japan with a hip injury.
Ireland's head coach is set to name a 45-man preliminary training squad early this week, and the Kiwi will have to prepare for the global showpiece in Japan without one of his most trusted and experienced forwards.
Schmidt was already without the services of Dan Leavy - who is recovering from a complex knee injury - meaning he will lean heavily on Josh van der Flier and Jordi Murphy at the World Cup.
Sean O'Brien (ball carrier) will be a huge loss for Ireland in Japan at the World Cup
O'Brien will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and is facing six months out of action. The 32-year-old has signed a three-year deal with London Irish, effectively ruling him out of further international recognition due to the IRFU's stance on selecting overseas-based players.
'Everyone at Leinster wishes Seán the very best of luck with his recovery and with
