Advertisement

Blow for Ireland U20s as out-half Johnston heads home injured

Newcastle Falcons man Brett Connon will take his place in the squad.

John Fallon reports from Manchester

IRELAND’S HOPES OF building on their epic wins over world champions New Zealand and Six Nations Grand Slam winners Wales have suffered a big set-back with out-half Bill Johnston ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Billy Johnston Johnston's tournament is over. Camerasport / Dave Howarth/INPHO Camerasport / Dave Howarth/INPHO / Dave Howarth/INPHO

Johnston missed the Six Nations campaign with a shoulder injury and only made his U20 debut on Tuesday night against Wales when he impressed and kicked eleven points in a 26-25 win.

But he suffered a dislocated shoulder just before half time in the historic 33-24 victory over the Baby Blacks yesterday, a win which leaves Nigel Carolan’s men in pole position in Pool A of the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Johnston, whose older brother David has broken through to the Munster senior side, is to return home and will be replaced in the squad by Brett Connon of Newcastle Falcons.

Brett Connon Connon takes Johnston's place in the Ireland squad. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Johnston is the second Irish player to be ruled out of the tournament through injury, with tighthead prop Conor Kenny tasting just three minutes of action before a shoulder injury ended his campaign against Wales on Tuesday evening.

Ireland are expected to change the side around for Wednesday’s final pool game against Georgia where a win over the newcomers, who have lost both games, will guarantee a semi-final spot for only the second time ever.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

‘It’s a very special win… But we’ll see in the next few weeks exactly how special it is’

Highlanders chief says he’s contacted Joe Schmidt about taking over Super Rugby heavyweights

Author
John Fallon
View 10 comments
Close
10 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.