Ireland centre Jonny Bell on Monday was forced to pull out of next month’s Rugby World Cup with an Achilles tendon injury.
The 29-year-old Ulsterman’s career has been beset with problems since his first cap in Australia in 1994, with this latest setback occurring during a training session.
His Ulster colleague, the uncapped Paddy Wallace, is reported to be in the frame to be called up as his replacement for the October 10 to November 22 rugby festival.
The player told the BBC’s website: ”I suppose in a way it’s a great relief to know that I’m out, as I have been under considerable pressure to prove my fitness.
”It will be a long lonesome journey home to Belfast from Dublin thinking of what might have been.”
Bell, who has turned out 36 times for his country, said his aim
now was to regain full fitness in time to play for Ulster. — Sapa