Irish Rugby
Ireland rocked by double injury blow
ESPN Staff
October 30, 2012
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll reflects on his side's defeat, New Zealand v Ireland, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, June 16, 2012
Brian O'Driscoll will play no part in Ireland's November Test schedule © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Rory Best | Brian O'Driscoll
Teams: Ireland

Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll and first choice hooker Rory Best have both been ruled out of the autumn internationals.

Leinster centre O'Driscoll picked up an ankle injury against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday and scans have determined that he will have to undergo surgery. He faces eight to twelve weeks out of action.

And Best picked up a neck injury playing for Ulster against the Dragons on Friday evening. He has sprained ligaments in his neck and the injury will keep him out for between four to six weeks when he will undergo further assessment.

Ireland kick-off their autumn Test programme against South Africa in Dublin on November 10. They then tackle Fiji at Thomond Park in an uncapped international the following Saturday before finishing against Argentina on November 24.

They will also be without fullback Rob Kearney for the autumn Tests as he has a back injury. He faces ten weeks out while openside Sean O'Brien will also miss the November games due to hip surgery.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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