Shane Jennings’ prospects of playing in the Rugby World Cup have taken a massive blow after the flanker underwent an operation on a broken arm.
Tough as nails Leinster forward Jennings sustained the injury in the Magners League final defeat to Munster on Saturday and underwent an operation in Dublin yesterday.
Jennings is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two months, which would leave him struggling to be fit for Ireland’s warm up games against Scotland, France and England in August.
Whether a fit Jennings would make the plane to New Zealand is a matter for debate as the back row is arguably the most fiercely contested area in the Irish squad, with the likes of Sean O’Brien, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris amongst those vying for places.
Jennings’ leadership qualities and his expertise at the breakdown will ensure that he will remain in Declan Kidney’s plans providing his rehabilitation goes according to plan.
The broken arm is the second major injury sustained by the 29-year old this season. He missed a significant portion of Leinster’s campaign with a knee injury, yet still featured prominently for the Blues, particularly after coming on as a half-time substitute in the brilliant Heineken Cup Final victory over Northampton.
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