IRELAND FULL-BACK ROB Kearney has been ruled out of the weekend’s test against France at the Aviva Stadium, but is expected to return for the final World Cup warm-up against England on 27 August.
The Leinster star picked up a minor groin strain in Saturday’s clash with the French in Bordeaux but sustained no long-term damage. The news comes as a massive relief to the 25-year-old, who missed much of last season with a knee injury picked up against the All Blacks last November.
Meanwhile, Brian O’Driscoll is set for his first appearance of the season as he returned to full training with the Irish squad.
The team captain was joined by Stephen Ferris, Tommy Bowe and Gordon D’Arcy, who will all hope to feature in Saturday’s clash against Marc Lievremont’s side.
