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.