O’Callaghan to miss clash with England at Twickenham

DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN has been omitted from the 25-man Munster squad for Friday’s Magners League game against Edinburgh, effectively ending any hopes he entertained of being considered for Saturday week’s Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham.

Irish coach Declan Kidney hinted strongly at the weekend that O’Callaghan would not be involved in the Magners League and this was confirmed last night by Munster manager, Shaun Payne. The second row sustained a knee injury in the Heineken Cup game against Northampton on January 22 and he hasn’t been able to play since.

He trained with the Irish squad on the Monday prior to the Italy game and was named in the starting line-up. However, after a further fitness test on the Thursday, he was withdrawn and replaced by Leinster captain Leo Cullen, who duly retained the position against France.