Rugby World Cup 2015: Ireland captain Paul O'Connell international career over after hamstring injury

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell is out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a torn hamstring in Sunday's (11 October's) victory over France. That injury brings an end to the skipper's international career, as he had already announced his decision to retire after the competition.

The 35-year-old will undergo surgery before linking up with new side Toulon.

A short statement read: "Paul O'Connell suffered a significant hamstring injury and will undergo surgery this week. Paul will not play again at Rugby World Cup 2015 and his time out of the game will depend on the outcome of the surgery."

No. 8 Jamie Heaslip will captain Ireland in his absence.

Leinster lock Mike McCarthy has been called in to replace O'Connell ahead of 18 October's quarter-final showdown with Argentina.

Johnny Sexton was also injured in the bruising 24-9 win over France but after undergoing a scan on Monday the Irish Rugby Football Union described his situation as 'encouraging.'

Ireland also lost Peter O'Mahoney in the encounter after suffering knee ligament damage, with Leinster's Rhys Ruddock coming into replace him.

Joe Schmidt could also be without flanker Sean O'Brien after he was cited when caught on video punching France's Pscal Pape.