Rugby:Tony Buckley has been ruled out of Ireland's clash with Samoa after suffering a hip injury against South Africa which could see the prop miss the rest of the autumn internationals. Ireland manager Paul McNaughton confirmed Buckley will not feature on Saturday, while fullback Rob Kearney is doubtful after picking up a knee injury against the Springboks.
"We have two injuries of note. Tony Buckley has a hip flexor injury and is definitely out for Saturday and doubtful for rest of the November campaign," said McNaughton from the team hotel in Killiney.
"Rob Kearney has bad bruising on his knee. There is a strong possibility that he is out for Saturday as well, but he should be okay for the rest of the series."
In addition five new faces have been brought into the squad; Leinster's Isaac Boss, Mike Ross and Fergus McFadden, Ulster backrow Chris Henry and Munster hooker Damien Varley.
Gavin Duffy will not train this week as he requires treatment for a back complaint and his Connacht team-mate John Muldoon has been released and is set to feature for the western province against Samoa at the Sportsground tomorrow night.
"Gavin Duffy is getting treatment for his back, so he won't be in training this week," added McNaughton. "John Muldoon has been released to get some game time with Connacht against Samoa."
Meanwhile, Tommy Bowe has been named the Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.
The Ospreys wing joined Club of the Year Cork Constitution and the Ireland under-20s Six Nations champions (Team of the Uear) in the winners circle at a function at the Aviva Stadium this evening.