Peter O'Mahony is out of the World Cup. That's been fairly devastating news today but nonetheless we have to look forward and plan without the Munster back-row and Joe Schmidt has made his decision.
The Ireland coach has chosen to call up Rhys Ruddock to replace O'Mahony with the Leinster man in line to make his sixth appearance for Ireland at some stage during the tournament.
Called Up. @RhysRuddock will join the Ireland squad in place of the injured @peterom6 #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/FoivymNJv7
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 12, 2015
Congratulations to @RhysRuddock on his call up to the @IrishRugby #RWC2015 squad! pic.twitter.com/Ww82tGN8D6
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 12, 2015
In terms of O'Mahony's replacement, Ruddock was the obvious choice. However, it seems Schmidt is still deliberating over a replacement for Jared Payne with a significant hole in the backs yet to be filled. We've already had our say on who that person could and should be, but it seems the Ireland boss needs more time to make that decision.
Although it is now certain that Paul O'Connell won't return to the squad in a playing capacity during this tournament, that has yet to be confirmed by the Irish camp so a replacement for the Ireland captain is also yet to be named.
Ruddock was supposed to be joining us in a special event together with Boast in Dublin this Tuesday. Obviously enough, he won't be able to make it now so a replacement will be called up shortly.
