Hickie out of World Cup

Ireland winger Denis Hickie has been ruled out of the World Cup after medics confirmed he will require immediate surgery on a serious Achilles injury suffered in yesterday’s nailbiting 17-16 defeat to Australia.

Hickie, Ireland’s record tryscorer with 23 from 44 Tests, could be out for up to six months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon shortly before half-time in the Pool A showdown with the Wallabies in Melbourne.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan today confirmed they had called for Ulster winger Tyrone Howe who will fly in and join the squad’s preparations for next Sunday’s quarter-final clash with France.

“It is bad news for Denis. He has got a ruptured Achilles tendon which is a very severe injury which will require immediate attention. These things are often up to six months. It’s worse than a broken leg,” O’Sullivan said today.

“Denis will be replaced by Tyrone Howe from Ulster who is currently in a hotel in Dublin waiting to get kitted out and get on a plane and be here asap.”

Hickie will fly home tomorrow with Alan Quinlan, the open-side flanker whose tournament was ended by a dislocated shoulder suffered while scoring a try in last weekend’s 16-15 win over Argentina.