CARDIFF, Wales: Ireland centre Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup because of a broken foot.
Ireland says Saturday that scans showed the nature of the injury after Payne felt discomfort following training on Wednesday.
Payne missed the 16-9 win over Italy with the problem and was due to miss Sunday’s game against France that will decide which of the two teams finishes first in Pool D and avoids a quarterfinal against New Zealand.
Payne was Ireland’s first-choice outside centre, having formed an impressive midfield combination with Robbie Henshaw.
Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls will be alternatives for Payne in the knockout stage. Earls partners Renshaw against France. --AP