Opportunity knocks as Varley answers Ireland's call

HOURS after expressing disappointment at missing out on Rugby World Cup selection, Damian Varley was preparing to join up with the Irish squad following another injury blow to Jerry Flannery.

An MRI scan confirmed Flannery tore his left calf during a squad training session which ends his involvement in the tournament.

Seán Cronin is named among the replacements for Saturday’s clash with Australia following the withdrawal of the Limerick man with Varley set to join Declan Kidney’s squad on Saturday.

Ironically, Varley touched on the subject of his non-selection at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Munster’s RaboDirect Pro 12 with Scarlets admitting: “I hoped to be in with a shout for the World Cup but it didn’t happen unfortunately. But it is professional rugby and you have to deal with that mentally, just put your head down, work hard and see if you can get back to where you were at previously.”

But things took a dramatic turn with a call from Declan Kidney.

Yesterday, a delighted Varley took time out to sympathise with Flannery following his injury heartbreak.

“I read on some of the news websites that he was after pulling up in training with a calf strain and that he was being sent for an MRI. But he’d still been named on the replacements bench, so I didn’t really think much of it until later on when Declan rang me. Obviously my heart goes out to Jerry. You wouldn’t wish injury on anyone. But it is the nature of the sport. One man’s loss is another man’s gain.”

Varley revealed that he had been given the all clear by the medics to begin his long journey. “In terms of practicalities, I’m cleared by our medical and fitness guys. So I’m heading up to Dublin in the morning and flying from Dublin Airport on Thursday evening. I must call into the IRFU in the morning to pick up gear and various things. I’ve been on a bit of a high since.”

He joked that the call up means he misses Munster’s assignment in Musgrave Park on Saturday night. “Yeah I was going to ask him (Declan Kidney) could I think about it and ring him back.” he said with a laugh. “This opportunity doesn’t come around too often.”

“In terms of fitness levels. I was training with the RWC squad up until they left and the fitness lads here in Munster have done a smashing job too. So I think I’ve a good bit of work done and I think I’ll be in good shape for it.”

Ireland Team Manager Paul McNaughton expressed disappointment for Flannery. He said: “Obviously it is particularly disappointing for Jerry to have suffered this injury at this point in the tournament. With the fact that he is out for four to six weeks, we needed to make the decision to fly Damien Varley down as soon as possible.”