Kearney injury not as bad as first feared

A Tuesday morning injury update from Ireland squad communications manager David O Siochain, though, suggested Kearney’s injury was not as bad as first feared.

Ireland are hoping to have Rob Kearney fit and ready to go for their Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday, despite an injury scare over the veteran full-back.

Reports from the squad’s training session on Monday were that Kearney, 33, sustained a calf problem, adding to backline selection issues with centre Robbie Henshaw almost certain to miss the Pool A clash with Six Nations rivals Scotland in Yokohama at the weekend due to a hamstring injury.