BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Henderson out of NZ tour

Ireland centre Rob Henderson has been ruled out of next month's two-Test tour of New Zealand because of injury.

A shin problem has sidelined the Lions player, who played for Munster in their Heineken Cup final defeat against Leicester on Saturday

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has yet to announce Henderson's replacement.

Denis Hickie is one of eight players already out of Ireland's tour of New Zealand
Denis Hickie: Already out of Ireland tour
Lions lock Malcolm O'Kelly is another doubt for Ireland after pulling out of Saturday's charity match between an Ireland XV and a Ballymena's President's Selection because of shin splints.

He pulled up in training with the shin problem at an Irish squad session earlier in the week.

O'Kelly has been told to rest but he faces a race against time to be ready for Ireland's departure for New Zealand on 1 June.

Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan has already been robbed of eight men who would have been in contention for a place in the squad.

Backs Kevin Maggs, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, Anthony Horgan, Jonathan Bell were ruled out by injury while Kieron Dawson, Jeremy Davidson and Emmet Byrne also couldn't be considered.

If he is forced to withdraw from the tour, Trevor Brennan would be favourite to take his place in the Irish squad.

Leo Cullen would be another contender, but Brennan had an outstanding game in the Irish XV's 68-40 win at Eaton Park on Saturday.


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