Simon Zebo returns to Cork on compassionate leave

By Sean Ryan

Irish rugby fullback Simon Zebo has been granted temporary release from the Irish squad on compassionate leave after his grandfather John Geary passed away at Cork University Hospital yesterday.

A funeral Mass for Mr Geary, the father of Zebo's mother Lynda, will take place tomorrow at Saint Michael’s Church in Blackrock in Cork City.

Zebo has been excused by the Irish management to leave the World Cup base at Guildford to be with his family.

In a statement the IRFU said: "Simon has been granted compassionate leave by the tournament and returned to Ireland this morning. He is due back with the squad tomorrow."

The former Presentation College Cork student and Munster star scored two tries in Ireland's 44-10 victory over Romania yesterday.