Rugby World Cup 2019: Henshaw stays in Ireland's Japan squad despite injury
- Published
Robbie Henshaw was expected to partner Bundee Aki at centre against Scotland
2019 Rugby World Cup |
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Hosts: Japan Dates: 20 September to 2 November |
Coverage: Full commentary on every game across BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Robbie Henshaw will remain in Ireland's World Cup squad despite the injury that looks certain to rule him out of Sunday's opener against Scotland.
Irish Rugby said on Monday morning said a scan had revealed "reasonably positive news" on the centre's hamstring problem.
The short statement added that Henshaw "will not be returning home" despite the injury.
Henshaw pulled up in Ireland training on Saturday.
Reserve fly-half Joey Carbery resumed full training on Monday for the first time since suffering ankle ligament damage in the win over Italy on 10 August while Keith Earls is on course to resume training in midweek.
Wing Earls suffered a thigh strain in the warm-up victory over Wales nine days ago.
Will Addison was rested from Ulster's pre-season friendly against Glasgow as a precaution
Addison rested from Ulster game as 'precaution'
Speaking on Sunday, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt appeared resigned to being without influential centre Henshaw against the Scots in Yokohama.
"Is it likely to rule him out of this week? Yeah, you'd have to say it is," said Schmidt.
"The fact that he pulled up and wasn't accelerating at the time, we'd be hopeful it's not too bad."
The Ireland management requested that Will Addison was rested from Ulster's pre-season friendly against Glasgow on Saturday but with Henshaw still part of his country's World Cup plans, the former England Under-20 player will remain with Ulster - at least for now.
"That was precautionary, just to make sure that we had fit and able cover should we need a replacement for Robbie," added Schmidt.
Henshaw looked set to partner Bundee Aki in the Ireland midfield after the duo impressed in the final warm-up win over Wales.
Garry Ringrose or Chris Farrell look the obvious candidates to replace Henshaw.
Henshaw missed Ireland's two opening games at the 2015 World Cup because of a hamstring injury, although he played in his country's final three games in the tournament.