JORDI MURPHY WAS withdrawn from Ulster’s team to face the Ospreys in the Pro14 last night as he was put on standby to potentially join Ireland’s World Cup squad in Japan.
The request from Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt for Murphy to be pulled from Ulster’s season opener underlines that number eight Jack Conan’s World Cup is in doubt.
The Leinster man had been due to start today’s Pool A clash with hosts Japan in Shizuoka but sustained a foot injury during training this week.
Instead, Conan was watching from the sidelines in a moon boot as Ireland warmed-up for their second World Cup clash.
As yet, it’s unclear if it is the same foot issue the back row had struggled with during pre-season, although Ireland boss Schmidt said that Conan had been injured when a team-mate stood on him in training.
While Schmidt had initially seemed upbeat about Conan and the player himself appeared in good spirits as he watched Ireland’s captain’s run yesterday at Ecopa Stadium from the sidelines, the update after that training session was less positive.
“At that this stage, it’s just a wait and see,” said Ireland assistant coach Greg Feek yesterday. “We’re going to get some opinions on that over the next couple of days and then go from there.
“It’s a little bit of a setback at this stage but I think once we get the game out of the way and we get the reports in from medical and the S&C, we’ll probably have some more information on that. Probably after the game, I’d say.”
As such, Ireland are due to issue an official update on Conan later today, amidst fears that his tournament could be over having played just once off the bench against Scotland last weekend.
28-year-old Murphy was very unlucky to miss out on making Ireland’s final 31-man squad to travel to Japan, with Schmidt having indicated that the versatile Ulster player would be in “pole position” should there be any back row injuries in Japan.
Conan’s fans will be hoping for a positive update later today, although Murphy is standing by in the event that he needs to board the next flight to Japan.
Very sad! RIP
Who the hell gives that comment a thumb down. Idiots.
I think it’s accidental when your scrolling.
As a Kerryperson, can I add my sympathy to his Family and his GAA Family too.
I knew him for thirty years and he was always the perfect gentleman.
We had some great texts back and forth over recent years , with the successes of our respective County Teams , but he was so rightly proud of his County Hurlers too .
His good humour will be so missed everywhere – RIP.
Great servant to Dublin Gaa. He’ll be missed. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
A great Dublin GAA man. Rest well.
RIP.
Very sad news. RIP.
A long time Friend for over 30yrs.
& a true Gentleman & Sportsman.
A super servant to Dublin GAA, and a gentleman my condolences and thoughts are with his Family, Friends and club.
RIP, great GAA Man
Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam. RIP
Deepest sympathy to the Kettle family and everyone involved with Dublin Gaa and everyone in Fingal Ravens Gaa club.
Brian Carroll
Secretary
Roscommon GAA
May he rest in peace, 68 is so young to pass away these days.
Was he sick or die suddenly? How old was he?
Sorry, see illness now
Lord rest andy, a true gentlemen, prayers to the family
Had the pleasure of working with Andy in the Irish Times during the 80s .. A true gentleman .RIP Andy
He reminds me of ronnie barker
Brendan. I think so too. May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. Andy. I have a funny feeling that there could be some Dublin GAA memories getting shared up above today between Heffo & Andy
Rest in peace. Dublin Handball