Boss joins Ferris on absentee list

Isaac Boss has become the second player to be ruled out of Ireland’s New Zealand tour through injury.

The Irish Rugby Football Union have confirmed that Leinster scrum-half Boss will miss the three-Test trip due to an ongoing thigh problem.

Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris was the first confirmed injury casualty earlier this week, when a calf muscle problem suffered during the Heineken Cup final 10 days ago put paid to his tour chances.

Lock Paul O’Connell, meanwhile, will be given until Friday before a decision on his tour fitness is made.

O’Connell, who captained Ireland during this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship after Brian O’Driscoll underwent shoulder surgery, is continuing his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

While the squad will fly to Auckland on Thursday, no verdict on O’Connell will be made until Friday and whether or not he can head out to join his colleagues.

O’Connell apart, Ireland coach Declan Kidney will finalise the tour party tomorrow following tonight’s friendly against the Barbarians in Gloucester.

Ireland tackle the All Blacks in Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton between June 9 and 23.