RUGBY:MUNSTER HAVE been dealt a major blow with the news that scrum-half Tomás O'Leary has been ruled out for up to two months with a thumb injury.
O’Leary picked up the injury in last Saturday’s 13-9 Magners League defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium and underwent an operation on Tuesday.
It means O’Leary will miss Munster’s Heineken Cup fixtures against London Irish and Toulon as well as several Magners League games. O’Leary will also miss some, if not all, of Ireland’s autumn campaign – Declan Kidney’s side face South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina next month. His place in the Munster line-up is likely to go to Peter Stringer, with Eoin Reddan the most likely man to step in at international level.
A Munster statement read: “Tomás O’Leary, who injured his thumb in the game against Leinster, has been ruled out of Munster action for the immediate future. O’Leary had an operation on Tuesday and could be out for anything from six to eight weeks.”
Munster have also confirmed that they will not appeal against centre Lifeimi Mafi’s seven-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Gordon D’Arcy in the clash with Leinster.
Elsewhere, Welsh rugby player Gavin Quinnell has permanently lost the sight in his left eye following an incident during Llanelli’s Premiership game against Cross Keys.
The Scarlets, in a statement issued jointly with the Quinnell family, confirmed the 26-year-old forward had received the news following consultation with a team of ophthalmic specialists at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital.
Quinnell is the brother of former Wales international forwards Scott and Craig Quinnell, and son of ex-Wales and Lions number eight Derek Quinnell. The Scarlets also stated the matter is now in the hands of Gwent Police, who are investigating an allegation of assault.
Quinnell was hurt during last Saturday’s match at Pandy Park, and subsequently underwent eye surgery. The Scarlets and Llanelli RFC lodged a formal citing complaint with the Welsh Rugby Union earlier this week, which is currently being dealt with through the WRU’s disciplinary processes.
“It is with a huge disappointment and regret that today we can confirm that our Scarlets player Gavin Quinnell has received a conclusive report from medics that he has permanently lost his sight in his left eye,” read the statement.
“Gavin underwent eye surgery on Saturday night at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital following an injury he sustained playing for Llanelli RFC on Saturday afternoon. The news was confirmed to him yesterday afternoon following a consultation with a team of ophthalmic specialists at the hospital.
“Naturally, the Quinnell family are all shocked and devastated and have asked to be given time and space to come to terms with the news and allow them to concentrate on giving Gavin their full support and attention.”
