Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony will play no further part in the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in the brutal Pool D victory over France.
And there were continuing doubts over the future participation of captain and lock Paul O’Connell and fly-half Jonny Sexton, who both went off injured in a ferocious first-half of Sunday’s match won 24-9 by the Irish at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
“Peter O’Mahony suffered a knee ligament injury and is returning to Dublin. He will play no further part in the World Cup,” said Ireland team manager Michael Kearney.
“Paul O’Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and was hospitalised overnight.”
Sexton, who limped off in the 25th minute, sustained a “groin injury” and was awaiting scans later Monday, Kearney said.
The Irish are waiting nervously to see whether another of their star backrow forwards Sean O’Brien is cited over an incident involving France lock Pascal Pape early in the game.