JEREMY DAVIDSON has withdrawn from the Ireland squad to participate in the students' World Cup in South Africa later this month.

Davidson sustained a mouth injury that will apparently necessitate hospital treatment and he has accordingly been advised not to travel to South Africa. His place will be taken by Matthew Dobson (Sale), who has played for the Exiles in the Interprovincial Championship and is a former under 21 international.

Davidson is the second international to withdraw from the squad. Outside half David Humphreys, who had been due to captain the side, withdrew some weeks ago after consultation with Ireland manager Pat Whelan.