Six Nations
Ireland lose experienced trio
ESPNscrum Staff
January 25, 2011
Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip runs in to score, Ireland v Italy, Six Nations, Croke Park, February 6, 2010
Jamie Heaslip will miss Ireland's opener against Italy © Getty Images
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Ireland will head into the Six Nations without three of their most seasoned campaigners following confirmation that Jamie Heaslip, John Hayes and Shane Horgan will miss their opening tie against Italy due to injury.

Leinster No.8 Heaslip has been sidelined since Christmas with an ankle problem and is expected to come into contention for Ireland's second round fixture against France in Dublin, although Hayes (groin) and Horgan (knee) are likely to also sit out that clash on February 13.

The duo were injured while playing for Munster and Leinster respectively in last weekend's Heineken Cup action and join Ulster wing Andrew Trimble as the latest casualties in an injury-hit squad.

Declan Kidney is already without Leinster fullback Rob Kearney and the experienced Leicester captain Geordan Murphy, while Ospreys winger Tommy Bowe and Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris are awaiting the results of scans on knee problems.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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