Shane Jennings named as replacement for Ireland’s injured flanker David Wallace – Rugby News
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced Shane Jennings as the replacement for Ireland’s international flanker, David Wallace, in their 2011 Rugby World Cup’s (RWC) final 30-man squad.
IRFU officials have confirmed the omission of Wallace from the squad and Jennings as his replacement in a statement released on their website on Sunday, August 28.
The statement read, “Shane Jennings has been called into the Ireland Rugby World Cup squad as a direct replacement for David Wallace who was injured during the game against England this afternoon. Wallace suffered a serious knee ligament injury and will require surgery to repair the damage.”
Irish international flanker Wallace sustained an injury to his knee during the Ireland’s pre-world cup warm-up encounter against England at Lansdowne Road, Dublin on Saturday, August 27. England won the match 20 – 9.
The incident occurred during the 21st minute of the game when a tackle by English international centre, Manu Tuilagi, resulted in Wallace twisting his knee. Wallace was taken off the field on a stretcher and was immediately taken to the hospital. After the initial scans, doctors confirmed that the injury required surgery.
The surgery and subsequent rehabilitation have forced Wallace out of the 2011 RWC campaign and from the most part of the 2011/12 domestic and European competition.
Ireland’s head coach, Declan Kidney, has expressed his disappointment on losing the experienced flanker. He termed his omission from the squad as “heartbreaking.”
In addition to Wallace, several Irish players sustained injuries in Saturday’s highly physical contest. These players include Jerry Flannery, Cian Healy, Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip, who sustained shin, eye, hand and a head concussion respectively.
Besides Healy, the rest of the players will be available for Ireland’s 2011 RWC opener against the USA. The IRFU has confirmed that Healy will not be available for the USA encounter. Officials also confirmed that the Healy will not travel to New Zealand with the rest of the squad and will join them later.
The 30-year-old Jennings was part of the Ireland’s 2011 RWC training squad. He has expressed his delight on being able to secure a position in the Irish squad to make his debut RWC appearance.
Jennings, a Dublin born flanker, plays his professional rugby for Leinster Rugby Club in the domestic and European competitions. He made his international debut against Argentina during Ireland’s tour of the South American country in June 2007.
Jennings has made 10 international appearances so far for Ireland which includes five starts.
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