Included among the walking wounded are John Kelly, Alan Quinlan and David Wallace while Gaffney's options are further reduced with the news that Denis Leamy has been included in the Ireland starting XV for the game against the USA Eagles.

That selection was naturally welcomed by Gaffney who said.

"I am absolutely delighted for Denis. It is an honour that he fully deserves. His form this season has been outstanding in every game he has played for us. It's a big step up for him but one I have no doubt he is well capable of taking it."

With Wallace and Quinlan both on the easy list Gaffney's back-row options are not the rich vein they once were and he will likely have to go outside his squad to find a back-row partner for Jim Williams and Stephen Keogh.