Connacht’s McSharry out until next season

Connacht centre Dave McSharry has been ruled out of the Irish summer tour and will miss the start of next season.

The promising 23-year-old underwent surgery yesterday on a troublesome hip and groin injury and could be out of action for six months.

McSharry played for Ireland Wolfhounds against England in January and was in contention for his first full cap when Ireland play the United States and Canada in June. But the Dubliner went for surgery yesterday and Connacht coach Eric Elwood said he will be sidelined until into next season.

“He is out of the summer tour and is facing four to six months before he is back. It’s disappointing for him but the most important thing is for him to make a full recovery and build from there,” said Elwood.

Promising prop Denis Buckley also looks set to miss the remainder of Connacht’s season with a knee injury but he has not been ruled out of the Irish tours in June at this stage. Flanker Willie Faloon has been ruled out of Friday’s clash with his old side when Ulster come to the Sportsground striving to stay top of the table.

Elwood said that Faloon, who has ankle ligament trouble, could return for the rearranged trip to Treviso the following weekend.

Meanwhile, Connacht have signed former Irish U20 hooker James Rael on a development contract from Munster.