VIDEO: Paul O'Connell says Jared Payne is 'a big loss'

Ireland captain, Paul O'Connell, has said that Jared Payne's injury news was "disappointing" for the whole squad when it was announced this morning.

VIDEO: Paul O'Connell says Jared Payne is 'a big loss'

Ireland captain, Paul O'Connell, has said that Jared Payne's injury news was "disappointing" for the whole squad when it was announced this morning.

Payne, who injured his foot in the game against Romania almost two weeks ago,

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O'Connell said Payne was "a big loss" for Ireland.

He said: "He's a very good defender and a very good attacker and, he isn't that old but he had a kind of elder statesman presence around the place in terms of how he did things.

"For the journey he has been on to get here, to play in a world cup with Ireland, it's disappointing for him this morning, disappointing for the group when it was announced this morning."

Ireland's forwards coach, Greg Feek, said: "It's always tough to lose one of your family members like that.

"It was a bit of a moment for him today."

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