Ireland's Luke Fitzgerald out of South Africa tour

Omnisports

May 30, 2016 7:21 AM

Luke Fitzgerald will miss Ireland's tour of South Africa due to a knee problem and Matt Healy could replace the winger

___5092534___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5092534___2016___5___31___6___lukefitzgeraldcropped_10k2xgru3fcds185iekv96olyl

Luke Fitzgerald will miss Ireland's tour of South Africa due to a knee problem.

The Leinster wing suffered the injury in Saturday's Pro12 final defeat against Connacht and will play no part in the three-match series against the Springboks next month.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt revealed the uncapped Matt Healy could get his chance in the absence of Fitzgerald, but Connacht team-mate Tiernan O'Halloran is another potential replacement.

"Unfortunately Luke Fitzgerald picked up a knee injury in the game and he will be replaced," said Schmidt.

"Due to Luke picking up the knee injury one of those Connacht players is likely to be in the frame to be his replacement.

"One of the advantages with Matt is that he's a left-footed left winger and like-for-like with Luke. He's certainly a guy who's in contention."

The first match between Ireland and South Africa takes place at Newlands on June 11.

Omnisports