Shane Horgan's ankle injury has ruled him out of Ireland's tour to New Zealand.

The Leinster centre/winger had been in contention for one of the places left vacant by Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

But on Friday it was decided Horgan would not be fit to make the trip.

Horgan recently had to undergo two ankle operations.

His absence may give Ulster's Tyrone Howe the chance of a call-up.

The Irish squad leaves for New Zealand on 1 June and will have Test matches against the All Blacks on 15 and 22 June.

Ireland warm-up with a match against a New Zeland Divisional XV in Timaru on Saturday 8 June.