Henshaw blow for Schmidt

Joe Schmidt’s plans to usher in a new era for Ireland’s midfield this summer have been hit by the withdrawal of Robbie Henshaw from next week’s two-Test tour to Argentina.

The rising Connacht star, 20, is one of the leading candidates to replace Brian O’Driscoll at outside centre for Ireland following the iconic Leinster player’s retirement from Test rugby at the end of the Six Nations in March.

Yet with just 10 competitive fixtures before the Rugby World Cup 2015 warm-ups in 15 months, Henshaw has been forced to undergo surgery to repair damaged hand ligaments.