Healy to miss World cup opener

Ireland prop Cian Healy has been ruled out of Sunday’s World Cup opener against the USA in New Plymouth.

Healy was a doubt for the match because of the eye injury he sustained against England in last month’s final warm-up international.

Ireland team manager Paul McNaughton confirmed today that the Leinster loosehead is unavailable but should be in action against Australia six days later.

Ireland's options to cover the loss of Healy are to either promote Tom Court from the bench or draft Tony Buckley straight into the starting XV.

“The medical advice was that Cian will be not be able to resume contact until this weekend,” said McNaughton.

“But he will be fit and available for selection against Australia.”

The squad was otherwise given a clean bill of health with Sean O’Brien, Gordon D’Arcy and Rob Kearney all passed fit to face the USA.