Injuries rule Kearney and Kelly out of Ireland squad

LEINSTER’S Robert Kearney and Munster’s John Kelly have joined Shane Horgan in pulling out of the Ireland’s Six Nations training squad.

Utility back Kearney has a hamstring problem while the experienced Kelly is nursing bruised ribs sustained in Saturday’s Heineken Cup defeat to Leicester at Thomond Park.

Northampton’s David Quinlan, Connacht’s Danny Riordan and Kieran Lewis of Leinster are called up.

Riordan, the most exciting back produced by Connacht since Eric Elwood two decades ago, has pledged his future to the province. The 22-year-old, who made his debut last season, has signed a new two-year contract which will keep him at the Sportsground until 2009 at least.

Riordan is currently on a development contract with Connacht having come through the province’s academy. He has featured in 16 of Connacht’s 18 games and is the side’s top try scorer this season with five touchdowns.

“It has gone well for me this season and I am delighted to agree a new contract for the next couple of years. We are putting together a strong side and I am looking forward to my game developing as we move forward,” said Riordan, a native of Annaghdown, a traditionally strong GAA parish outside Galway city.

Riordan developed his rugby with Corinthians RFC and in Coláiste Iognaid before moving to the academy.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said it was encouraging to see players like Riordan come through the system.

“Danny is having a great season and it is great to see him pledging his future to the side,” said Kelly.

Riordan was a promising Gaelic footballer — he featured for the Galway minors in 2002 — but concentrated on rugby and was called into the Irish U-21 side for the Six Nations and the World Cup in Argentina.

Riordan made his debut for Connacht last season, making all seven appearances as a replacement but this year he has tied down the full-back spot.

Shane Horgan, who is due to have surgery for a knee injury, is already ruled out of the two opening Six Nations Championship games.

The winger picked up the problem in Leinster’s Heineken Cup defeat by Gloucester on Friday. Said an IRFU spokesperson: “Horgan sustained cartilage damage to his left knee.”

He is expected to be out for four to six weeks, meaning he will miss the games in Wales on February 4 and at home to France on February 11. Horgan will also be a doubt for the arrival of England on February 24 and may only return to face Scotland on March 10.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan also has a concern over Malcolm O’Kelly who had to come off in Leinster’s defeat because of a knee injury.

With a number of other players nursing minor knocks, O’Sullivan decided to cancel the training session planned for yesterday.

“It was in the best interests of the players to prioritise rehab and recovery today,” said the Ireland coach.