Geordan Murphy will also miss the World Cup as it has been confirmed he has suffered a compund fracture to his left tibea after being stretchered off against Scotland on Saturday.

Murphy landed awkwardly after being tackled by Mike Blair midway through the first half at Murrayfield. He was carried from the field with his left leg heavily strapped. He was then brought to hospital in Edinburgh where they confirmed he had suffered a compund fracture to his left tibea. The staff at the hospital will now begin the long process of correcting Murphy's injury.

Best case scenario will see Murphy back playing for the Six Nations in the New Year.