Ireland prepare for battle without Ross Byrne

Ireland coach Nigel Carolan admits the loss of experienced out-half Ross Byrne is a huge blow ahead of their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign but he is confident they have the strength in the squad to cope.

Byrne, who played in last year’s tournament in New Zealand and who started all five games in this year’s Six Nations, has withdrawn with a back injury.

“It is a big blow to Ross and to the squad. He was a key player in the Six Nations and at last year’s World Cup. But it is the nature of the sport that injuries happen and you deal with them,” said Carolan.