O'Driscoll to miss World Cup opener

Updated 08.20 Fri Aug 17 2007

Keywords: eddie o'sullivan, brian o'driscoll, rugby world cup, ireland, rugby union, rugby, sport

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has been ruled out of the opening Rugby World Cup match against Namibia.

The centre suffered a fractured right sinus during a 42-6 win over Bayonne in a World Cup warm-up match.

"I'm genuinely worried about Brian" - Eddie O'Sullivan

In a statement, the Irish Rugby Union said: "Following an X-ray and scan of Brian O'Driscoll's injury, it has been confirmed that he has sustained a fracture to his sinus and a deep laceration under his right eye.

"This is not as serious as initially feared and the injury will not require any surgery.

"The recovery period for the injury is three to four weeks which will rule O'Driscoll out of the warm-up game against Italy next week and the first Rugby World Cup pool game against Namibia."

Denis Hickie scored three tries and Paul O'Connell two in the bad-tempered match.

Five yellow cards were shown while flanker Denis Leamy and fly-half Paddy Wallace also picked up minor injuries.

O'Sullivan added: "Bar Brian's injury, it was a worthwhile exercise."