Alan Quinlan is joined on the plane by Leinster's Denis Hickie who is suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Alan Quinlan, with his left shoulder in a sling, departed the Melbourne base for an early return home, he is scheduled to arrive at Shannon Airport at 11.30am, tomorrow (Tue) morning.

Quinlan awaits further medical opinion regarding his dislocated shoulder. He is unsure if he faces an operation, if not he could be back in action in six weeks time.

Quinlan leave behind him an Ireland squad who will begin their build up to next Sunday s quarter final clash against France with a swim at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre this (Monday) morning and then the rest of the day given to badly needed R&R with some playing golf and others indulging in kart racing.