Hayes ready for Romania

IRISH prop John Hayes has been cleared to make his comeback against Romania in Saturday’s Pool A World Cup opener after spending the last seven months on the sidelines.

Hayes has not played since March because of a calf problem but Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan is keen to get him back on the field as quickly as possible.

“He has to have a first game back sometime and he is on track to start next week,” O’Sullivan told a news conference.