Ireland’s worst fears have been confirmed with the news that lock Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of the Autumn Series.
By Declan Whooley
The Munster man had taken part in a full training session yesterday and appeared to come through the scrimmaging session with flying colours.
However he had a reaction today and the back problems that had been causing him trouble have ruled him out and means that Declan Kidney is without yet another experienced member for the series.
With Brian O’Driscoll and Rory Best already ruled out, there has been a great deal of speculation who would take over the armband, with Kidney so far remaining tight-lipped.
Kidney is expected to brief the media tomorrow on who will lead the team out, but the challenge facing Ireland has just got significantly harder.
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