RORY McILROY HAS withdrawn from the Dubai Desert Classic as he continues to recover from a stress fracture of the ribs.
The Northern Irishman sustained the setback while playing at the South Africa Open earlier this month, where he finished runner-up to Graeme Storm following a play-off.
McIlroy is a two-time winner of the event in Dubai, topping the leaderboard in 2009 and 2015.
The 27-year-old sat out last week’s Abu Dhabi Championship with the issue and the European Tour confirmed today that he would remain out of action.
This year’s tournament would have seen world number two McIlroy pitted against 14-time major champion Tiger Woods — also a two-time winner of the event.
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As Gordon D’Arcy said on Sky, this was no fluke, no dodgy decision, no jammy break. Our lads simply outplayed NZ in all facets of play. To see our pack, 6kg a man lighter, destroying their scrum was a sight to behold. The confidence and belief on display was outstanding.
Congrats to everyone involved a truly historic achievement. Best of luck for the rest of the tournament.
Well done coach.
Fantastic day for Irish rugby. Carolan has done an amazing job with the under 20s. Their attitude and skill set are brilliant to watch.
Landmark day ! Remember this !!
First the women, then the boys, time for the men to step up in Chicago
As much as I think Nigel is great I have to correct him about being the first Irish Team to beat NZ . Nigel the Women’s Irish Rugby Team is the first team to beat NZ. In fact they beat them at the World Cup in France.
The piece said Irish men’s team. If you want to be picky Munster beat them in ’78 which makes them the first ever ;)
Nigels comment 3rd paragraph !!
Ow careless of Nigel to get caught up in the moment for making that slip of the tongue. Maybe you should start a petition to get him sacked. Or, you could get over it and move on (I think the second one would be better for the future of the game )
Ah Sineeeeaaaad!
Hi praise indeed from the NZ herald after todays fantastic match – doesn’t get better than this!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11655099