D'Arcy blow for Ireland

Ireland have been hit by another injury setback ahead of Sunday's international with Samoa.

Ireland have been hit by another injury setback ahead of Sunday's international with Samoa.

The latest casualty is Leinster wing Gordon D'Arcy, who pulled up in training at Greystones Rugby Club.

The heavy schedule of Celtic League and European games appears to have taken its toll not just on D'Arcy but a string of Ireland's top players.

If D'Arcy fails to make it, his place will go to out of favour three-quarter Tyrone Howe.

READ MORE

Justin Bishop would take Howe's place in the Irish A team to face New Zealand at Ravenhill on Tuesday.

Howe has not been in Warren Gatland's plans since the resumpion of the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship _ but the management team are keen to give D'Arcy up until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Assistant coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "Gordon's injury is a bit of worry for us. We will give it 24 hours and take it from there.

"We have a few players in the squad who have come back to form, but ideally we would like to see how Gordon along with Jeremy Staunton and Geordan Murphy gel."