McGuinness awaits his fate

Ireland, Connacht and St Mary's College scrum-half Conor McGuinness will know late tomorrow afternoon whether his professional rugby career is at an end. The 24-year-old former Irish international is preparing himself for potentially devastating news when he visits top foot specialist Michael Stephens.

Two operations and a cortisone injection failed to assuage a toe injury blighted by arthritis. The affable 14-times capped scrum-half is desperately hoping that some respite may be found to salvage his career. "I have had two operations in the last two years to try and correct the problem. Following the second one I was told that there was nothing else surgically that could be done.

"At the end of July, the start of August I had a cortisone injection to try and get me through the World Cup warm-up matches. I was informed that there was no possibility of having a second injection. I took four weeks off after the Leinster game but in the next match the problem arose again. When I have played matches I haven't been able to train for the next 10 days."

The damage is to the knucklejoint on the big toe, which remains rigid rather than bend. It means that McGuinness is unable to sprint properly or push-off that foot. "It seems silly but I actually wish I could have another operation. I desperately want to continue playing even if that meant just turning out at club level."

McGuinness would have visited Stephens sooner but the specialist has been in Australia and only returns to Dublin today. He will be guided by medical opinion. It would obviously be a devastating blow not only on a personal level if McGuinness is forced to retire from representative rugby but also from the perspective of the national side.

When fully fit he produced several superb performances in the Irish jersey not to mention his contribution both for Connacht and St Mary's College. Tomorrow will hopefully bring better news.

Meanwhile Warren Gatland is expected to continue as Ireland coach. Last night's meeting with the IRFU Rugby Committee was for the purpose of a "post-World Cup briefing". A spokesman for the IRFU pointed out that no formal statement was expected now or at any time on the subject in question.