Ireland flanker Tommy O'Donnell ruled out of Rugby World Cup with dislocated hip

Ireland flanker Tommy O'Donnell has become the latest high-profile player to be ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after he suffered a dislocated hip in the warm-up win over Wales which ends his chances of being involved in the showcase tournament.

The Munster back-row forward was stretchered off after 75 minutes of the 35-21 win in Cardiff and following a hospital assessment has been ruled out of "non-weight bearing activity" for the next six weeks.

Joe Schmidt's side face Scotland, Wales and England before beginning their campaign against Canada on 19 September but O'Donnell will be overlooked for selection.

"Investigations at University Hospital Wales yesterday afternoon confirmed that Tommy O'Donnell suffered a hip dislocation in the game against Wales," a statement from the Irish medical team stated.

"He will be limited to non-weight bearing activity for at least six weeks and has unfortunately been ruled out of participating in the upcoming Rugby World Cup."

O'Donnell, 28, joins Wales centre Jonathan Davis on the side-lines for the World Cup after the Clermont Auvergne player suffered a knee problem in May, while South Africa's Jean de Villiers is a doubt with a fractured jaw.

Ireland up to second in world rankings

Following victory over Wales, Ireland's position as World Cup contenders was further cemented after they leapfrogged South Africa, who lost 37-25 to Argentina in the Rugby Championship, and rose to second in the world rankings.

Australia are now third after they overcame world number-one New Zealand, while England stay fourth ahead of the Springboks.

The remainder of the top eight is unchanged but after Fiji and Tonga rose up to ninth and 10<sup>th respectively, Scotland have dropped down to 12<sup>th.